Rattlers Season Ends in Lone Star Conference Quarterfinals

THE RECAP
The Rattlers fought their way into a playoff spot with a win last week, but the season came to an end Tuesday night with a loss in the first round of the LSC Tournament to West Texas A&M, 3-2 in OT. 

The Rattlers defense allowed 35 shots in total on the night, but Rebecca Difronzo led the way with 19 saves. The Rattlers started the scoring with a goal by Kylie Von Holle in the 4th minute.

The Lady Buffs then answered back with a goal of their own in the 9th minute. The Lady Buffs scored again in the 34th minute, taking a 2-1 lead, along with 21 shots, into the halftime break.

The Rattlers responded quickly out of the intermission, getting another goal from Juni Ejere. 

The Rattlers only had one more shot registered in the final 45 minutes of regulation, while the Lady Buffs tallied 15 shots and three corner kicks. Still, the two teams battled all the way to the end of regulation tied at 2-2.

Despite the Rattlers' best efforts, the offensive surge from the Lady Buffs eventually pushed them into the winner's circle. In the 95th minute, West Texas A&M scored the golden goal to punch their ticket to the next round. 

THREE THINGS TO KNOW
- Rebecca Difronzo set the St. Mary's record for total saves in a single game with 19.
- Juni Ejere scored a goal in back to back games to close out the season.
- Every Rattler played at least 5 minutes in the Rattlers final game.

HEAD COACH KEVIN DRIGGS ON THE SEASON
"Incredibly proud of this team. They did everything we asked and more. I will miss our seniors, and I am incredibly grateful for the standards they set. To be around such a great group of people has taught me more about life than they will ever know."

SEASON IN REVIEW
The Rattlers finish the 2021 season with a record of 9-7-2, which is their best finish since the 2015 season. The Rattlers finished with a 7-4-2 conference record, which is their best finish in conference play since 2010.