CONWAY, S.C. – The Presbyterian College lacrosse team opened up a brand-new slate on Sunday afternoon in a hostile environment, ending on the losing side of a 15-8 decision to perennial ASUN championship contender Coastal Carolina.

Down by just three at halftime versus an opponent who was one game away from qualifying for the NCAA Tournament last spring, the Blue Hose were bolstered by a trio of two-goal stat-lines from Kate Dominick, Emily Currie, and Alyssa Perez.

The Chanticleers collected a bit more separation in the final two periods, outscoring PC 8-4 after intermission. Head coach Eric Clakeley's unit was neck-and-neck with Coastal in total shots (28-23) and shots-on-goal (16-13).

Additionally, the Blue Hose defense won the turnover battle after causing the Chanticleers to cough up possession 19 times. Both teams connected on two free-position attempts.

PC will not have to leave their own campus again for the rest of February, hosting their next three matches against Le Moyne, Austin Peay, and New Haven. Game two of the young season is tabbed for next Sunday inside Bailey Memorial Stadium.


 
FINAL SCORE: Coastal Carolina, 15 – Presbyterian, 8
RECORDS: Presbyterian (0-1) – Coastal Carolina (2-0)
LOCATION: Brooks Stadium (Conway, S.C.)


 
CLAKELEY COMMENT

 
"No negatives from this performance today, especially considering that it's the season-opener and the kinks have to be worked out. There is certainly plenty to learn from, but I'm very proud of our players' effort after a weather-slighted preseason.

"It was encouraging to see a handful of great performances by several underclassmen, as well the expected strong effort by our seniors."


 
NOTABLES
 

- Picked to be preseason All-Big South for the second straight year, Avery West penned a sensational start to her final campaign. The Texan caused three takeaways and also gathered four ground balls after ranking in the national top 20 in both of those categories last spring.

- After scoring twice over the duration of her freshman season, Dominick duplicated that number in a single quarter on Sunday. Her goals came five minutes apart, helping cut an early 4-0 deficit in half.

- Currie also snagged two goals in the first 30 minutes after posting 35 makes last year, hitting the back of the net with less than five seconds until halftime.

- Junior Kaylie Rittmueller complemented her team-high six ground balls with a fourth-quarter score. Starting keeper Kayliegh Aitken played the full 60 and made eight rejections.

- Backing up West's terrific numbers, Miranda Castilla also caused a turnover after missing the majority of 2025 due to injury. Transfer midfielder Sydney Howard also had a takeaway in her first PC showing.

- Freshman Rose Dennstaedt entered the scoring column in her college debut, scoring just before Rittmueller in the 4^th frame.