HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The No. 12 UIndy women's lacrosse team began its 2024 season on Friday afternoon with a 22-14 loss to second-ranked Florida Southern on a neutral field at the University of Alabama Huntsville.
 
Malaena Michielin registered a career-high six points, finishing with five goals and one assist.
 
It was the first game on the sideline for new UIndy head coach Peyton Romig, who netted the overtime game-winner against the Mocs in the programs' first meeting exactly four years ago to the day.
 
INS & OUTS
After surrendering a pair goals in the first 71 seconds, the Greyhounds responded promptly with four goals of their own over the next 10 minutes as Megan Dunn found the back of the cage at the 4:32 mark for the team's first – and only – lead of the afternoon.
 
Big plays highlighted the end of the second quarter, as another Dunn goal cut the Hounds' deficit to two before the break. Freshman netminder Ava Graham also made her ninth save of the half to prevent the Mocs from extending their multi-goal lead.
 

Some BIG plays to end the first half on a high note! pic.twitter.com/GNi1UDL0eJ

— UIndyWLax (@UIndyWLax) February 16, 2024

Unfortunately, the second half was all Mocs, who scored 10 times in the first 14 minutes after halftime to build an unsurmountable lead heading into the final frame.
 
Mackenzie Winn capped a four-goal stretch late in the fourth with her first score of the spring, following celebrations from Dunn and Michielin.
 

?? Winn nets her first goal of the season! pic.twitter.com/scXcIAIZbg

— UIndyWLax (@UIndyWLax) February 16, 2024

INSIDE THE BOX
- Olivia Bladon recorded five points on four goals and one assist, while contributing three draw controls and three ground balls.
- UIndy caused six of Florida Southern's 11 turnovers, with Madison Phillips the lone Greyhounds with multiple CTOs.
- Graham with 11 saves between the pipes in the first collegiate contest of her career.
- Ella Fornek competed in the circle, securing a team-high five draw controls.
- Winn led all players with four ground balls.
 
ON ANOTHER NOTE
The Mocs even the all-time series at one apiece following the Greyhounds' 2020 victory.

HOUND BYTES
Romig on the emotions of the first game as a head coach...
"It was great to be on the sideline and coach this great group of athletes! Emotions were high for our first game against a top team. We knew we needed to go in strong and focused and I think we succeeded in that aspect for the most part."

Romig on the positives...
"We saw some players step up into big roles today. It was awesome to see how we work as a full unit and we're excited to see what are able to accomplish against Young Harris. I think if we play a full game on the field we are capable of big things."
 
UP NEXT
UIndy will visit Young Harris College on Sunday to wrap up the opening weekend for an 11 a.m. draw. It will mark the first-ever meeting between the programs.