Kelly Oterson's free-position goal with only 32 seconds left in the game lifted No. 4- ranked Limestone to a 12-11 victory over Belmont Abbey in Conference Carolinas lacrosse action on Wednesday afternoon at Saints Field. The Saints climb to 9-1 on the season (2-0 conference) as the Crusaders slide to 4-6 overall (2-2 league.)

Limestone took the initial lead out of the gate after Katie Ilott won the game's first draw control and Raquel Prager scored on the possession. Belmont Abbey responded with a goal from Laurie Jordan. The teams traded goals throughout the remainder of the half, with Limestone holding the 6-5 advantage at halftime.

The Saints opened the second period with back-to-back goals from Prager and Albro. After a goal from the Abbey's Jordan, Chelsea Caiazza and Ilott capitalized on free-position attempts as Limestone took the 10-6 lead. However, the Crusaders would fight back with four straight goals to tie the score at 10-10 with 12 minutes left in the game.

A goal by Albro gave Limestone another short-lived lead before Jordan equalized with eight minutes left on a free-position attempt. With the score tied at 11-11, Belmont Abbey gained possession at the five minute mark and wouldn't relinquish control until a turnover by an attackman with only 1:37 left. Limestone cleared the ball and set up its offense, only to be awarded a free-position attempt with 32 seconds remaining in regularion. Oterson recorded the game-winning goal, and Britt Howard won the final draw control of the game as the Saints ran down the clock for the win.

The Saints held the 31-21 advantage on shots and the 14-11 advantage on draw controls. Both teams had 12 ground balls. Limestone was 12-14 on clears as the Crusaders were 15-16.

Prager and Albro led Limestone with three goals apiece, as Chelsea Treat and Oterson scored twice. Ilott and Caiazza scored one goal each.

The Saints' Howard had a game-high four draw controls as Ilott and Skylar Marcoux had three apiece. Goalkeeper Brigid Milchling posted five saves in the first 48 minutes as well as a team-high three ground balls. Rashelle McLellan played in the final 12 minutes in goal for the Saints and had one save.

Jordan scored three goals for the Abbey as Brianna Dignan and Elyse Mohn had two goals apiece. Amanda Jones led her team with three draw controls. Jordan and Laura Dowd each had three ground balls. Goalie Natalie Crenshaw had 12 saves during the game.