FARMVILLE, Va.--The Bellarmine Knights' bid to pick up their first win of the 2021 season fell short on an early Saturday morning, falling 8-1 to the Longwood Lancers on a cool Virginia morning in Farmville.
 
Sophomore Grace Dukes scored the lone goal for the Knights after the Lancers had previously taken a 3-0 early in the first quarter of play. Dukes' goal was unassisted and was her 2nd goal of the season.
 
"Grace Dukes had a great defensive showing in the backfield today- she made some good steps to intercept the ball and followed a rebound shot on a penalty corner which resulted in a beautiful goal," said Bellarmine Head coach Devanny Boisvert.
 
Karly Harwood scored the first goal for the Lancers roughly two minutes into the contest, sneaking in a shot past a diving Breanna McWhorter, who made two saves in the game before being replaced by Danni Swallow at the start of the 4th quarter of play.
 
Kolby Donahue and Harwood were the dominant players for Longwood, each getting a hat trick of goals, with Harwood scoring her three goals of the game on all three shots she took, while Donahue scored her three goals on four shots.
 
"Longwood was aggressive on the outside and did a great job at beating our press and making us jump in our defensive circle," Boisvert said. "They are a tough team and are skilled across the board."
 
Dukes was the lone starter with a shot on goal while starting forward Amber Hofenk Jerembo also got off a shot, but it was off target. Lauren Marshall also registered a shot, but Lancer goalie Madison Nuckles was able to repel the attempt.  Longwood, on the other hand, totaled 20 shots with 10 shots toward the Bellarmine cage and picked up eight team assists.
 
The Knights fall to 0-11 on the season and 0-7 on the road in the team's inaugural year in Division I.  Bellarmine's next game comes during is a two-game road trip to Athens, Ohio, where they play Mid-American Conference member Ohio to conclude the 2021 regular season.
 
"We are becoming mentally and physically tough this season," Boisvert said. "This group is competitive, and I know we will keep competing for that first win."
 
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