FULLERTON TAKES 3RD AT D2 WWLL CHAMPIONSHIPS – PUNCHES TICKET FOR NATIONALS

The Hornet women's lacrosse team delivered a strong postseason showing over the weekend placing third overall at the WWLL Division II Conference Championships at UC Santa Barbara and securing a berth to the D2 National Tournament in Naples, Florida.

Fullerton opened the tournament Saturday morning with its most dramatic performance of the weekend edging No. 4 University of San Diego 16-15 in a back-and-forth thriller. The Hornets jumped out early with three quick goals from Neva David, Juliana Ramirez, and Brooklynn Peters to take control, but the Toreros responded with a surge to even the match.

David led the offensive charge with 3 goals and 2assists, while Peters delivered a dominant performance with 6 goals. Juliana Ramirez added 2 goals and multiple assists, and Delaney Crile contributed across the stat sheet. In goal, Madison Lewis anchored the defense with 8 saves helping Fullerton hold on late as both teams traded goals throughout all four quarters.

Facing a quick turnaround, the Hornets returned to the field later that day against top-seeded UC San Diego. Fatigue and a relentless Triton attack proved difficult to overcome as Fullerton fell 14-2. Peters accounted for both goals in the contest, while Lewis recorded nine saves in a busy outing.

With third place on the line Sunday, Fullerton bounced back in impressive fashion defeating No. 2 Concordia Irvine 14-10 to secure a strong finish and a spot at Nationals. The Hornets came out firing with Peters scoring twice early and Annie Cavener adding another to set the tone.

Peters once again led the way with 6 goals, while Melyssa Strope facilitated the offense with 4 assists. Neva David and Delaney Crile each added key goals, and the Hornets built a multi-goal cushion they would not relinquish. Lewis turned in one of her best performances of the weekend with 11 saves to seal the win.

Across the three games, Peters totaled 14 goals establishing herself as one of the tournament's most dangerous offensive weapons. Thus far, she has 107 career goals, which is a program record. David and Ramirez consistently contributed to a balanced attack, while the Hornets' defense and goalkeeper play proved critical in high-pressure moments.

Up Next: The Hornets will compete in the WWLL D2 National Tournament on May 12-15 at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Florida as the No. 10 seed.

WCLA USA National Championship Qualifiers

*Photo by Jayden Babienau