RALEIGH, N.C. -- In a USA South battle Sunday afternoon, the Meredith College lacrosse squad defeated the visiting Piedmont Lions 15-12 for the first time during regular season play. The victory ended PC's 16-game streak versus USA South opponents in regular season action.

With regular season bragging rights on the line, the strategic efforts on the Meredith turf demanded respect. Both teams set up for the first draw with every intention of winning the match, and the battle began with Piedmont's Cahner Manns collecting the opening draw and netting the first point.

The Lions picked up the next draw but an unforced error changed the direction of the attack in favor of Meredith. Carlee Joseph scored the first-of-five goals on an assist from Molly Miller to put MC Lax on the board, and Julie Capretti gave the Angels the lead on a free position attempt four minutes later.

In a span of 4:32, Piedmont managed three consecutive goals to regain control at 4-2. Joseph collected the next draw control but missed her attempt at the net. During the clear attempt, Sarah Arbes forced a PC turnover, and Katie Burnet finished the play at the net.

Piedmont responded with a pair of quick goals to spread the gap to three at 13:16. Meredith stepped up their efforts, and Burnet landed her second attempt while the Angels were a man down at the 10-minute mark. The Avenging Angels put together three more points to edge in front 7-6 with five minutes remaining in the first period.

The Lions would manage to reach the cage twice more before the break to hold an 8-7 lead at the half.

But Head Meredith Coach Lauren Scott turned the tide with her halftime pitch as the Angels returned to the turf to net seven straight points to cruise to a 14-8 lead. A deflated Lions club rallied to score three of the next four goals to pull to within four with just under 10 minutes remaining in regulation.

A defensive effort ensued as Meredith held on for the win.

Meredith outshot the Lions 38-22 and collected nearly twice as many groundballs as they wore down Piedmont. Backed up by a defense that caused 18 turnovers, Meredith keeper Katie Sills deflected five attempts to hold off the Lion attack.

Joseph led with a game-high five goals in seven attempts to go along with six groundballs, three draw controls and one caused turnovers. Burnet, Capretti, and Victoria Doyle registered three goals apiece, while Burnet tallied five draw controls, two grounballs, and two caused turnovers.  Holly Hite collected five draws with five groundballs, and four caused turnovers, and Arbes finished with three caused turnovers.

Alexis Narducci led the Lions with four goals on five attempts, and Mahns notched three points with five draw controls in the loss. Blake Forrest recorded her third loss with 15 saves on the day.