ALLIANCE — Emma Kielbasa’s first season as a Mount Union women’s lacrosse player already has a signature moment.
Kielbasa’s goal with 3.1 seconds left lifted the Purple Raiders past Baldwin Wallace 11-10 in the championship game of the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament on May 2. The win secured an automatic NCAA Division III Tournament berth for Mount Union, the eighth in program history.
As the Purple Raiders’ final push started near midfield, all the freshman could hear was head coach Bethany Snider.
“Coach was screaming at me to go get the ball because she trusts me so much,” Kielbasa said.
“I kind of got it down there, and it was trusting my instincts and relying on my teammates. I knew my teammates had my back. It really comes down to the practice and work I put in every day. I knew what I had to do. I just had to execute.”
Kielbasa’s unassisted goal set off a wild celebration by the Purple Raiders and left the Yellow Jackets little time to produce a tying goal.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Kielbasa said. “I knew I could do it, but you don’t believe it until it actually happens.”
Kielbasa scored three goals to lead the Purple Raiders (12-5). She was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
“Emma didn’t spend the fall with us because she was recovering from knee surgery,” Snider said. “For her to progress the way she has quickly through the season, it doesn’t surprise me. She is a leader as a freshman and more of a midfielder for our program. I’m just excited to see her continue to grow and progress over the next three years.”
Kielbasa’s second goal with 6:26 left tied the game at 9-9. It came just over four minutes after the Purple Raiders fell behind by two for the second time.
“We definitely reminded ourselves we’re Mount LAX,” Kielbasa said. “Mount LAX is definitely about heart and hustle and playing for each other. We needed to remember that during the tougher times.
“In the end, Mount LAX showed up and showed out.”
Haylee Handrahan and Mackenzie Brown had two goals apiece for the Purple Raiders. Goalie Abby Reagan had 13 saves and made the all-tournament team with Kielbasa, Alex Udovicic and Delaney Brown.
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Emma Kielbasa late goal gives Mount Union women’s lacrosse OAC title
Reporting by Mike Popovich, Canton Repository / The Repository
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