The Eye of the Panther

After losing the Northeast-10 Conference title for the first time in four years to the LeMoyne Dolphins, the Adelphi Panthers were looking forward to redemption when playing them in the outer-bracket game of the NCAA tournament. And redemption did they get. After rallying back from a five goal deficit to defeat the Dolphins in the final minute of play, the Panthers were headed to the NCAA Final Four. 

The women's lacrosse team after their win over LeMoyne 9-8.

The Panthers traveled to Owings Mills, Maryland the next week to compete at Stevenson University. Their opponents: cross-town rivals and #1 ranked Division II Team, LIU Post. 

Just one year earlier, LIU Post knocked out Adelphi from the Final Four, so the Panthers gave everything they had to leave with a win. Battling for every ground ball, draw control, and limiting turnovers, the Panthers stayed "evenly matched" with the Pioneers. 

The team being coached before the game.

However, the Panthers went home without what they went there for; a national title. Losing by one in the last five seconds of the game, the Panthers ended their season at 18-3. With the 2013-2014 starting up, the Lady Panthers are looking at the upcoming season as one of retaliation and triumph.

With the exception of stellar defender, Katie Ciaci and sharp-shooter Sara Sangiorgio, the Panthers have most all of their team returning. 

As fall ball ensues, they are practicing three times a week as well as conditioning once a week. 

Members of the team are also looking forward to their fall ball tournaments: Lehigh and Hofstra's HEADstrong. For more information on the HEADstrong foundation, click here.

Photos c/o aupanthers.com