The Florida State Seminoles' inaugural Division I lacrosse season came to a tough close on April 16th, falling 16-7 to the ninth-ranked Clemson Tigers. A promising, gritty first half gave way to a decisive second-half surge from the visitors, highlighting the growth and challenges of a first-year program.
The Seminoles came out firing, showcasing the aggressive, fast-paced style they've built their identity on. After forcing an early turnover, freshman Brynn Perkins found the net off a feed from Summer Harrell to open the scoring. The momentum continued as Lydia Ward won the ensuing draw control, leading directly to a goal from Harrell, assisted by Meg Kenny—a dynamic connection that has been a constant spark for the FSU offense all season.
Head coach Sara Tisdale praised the duo's development after the game, noting, "Their chemistry is already really exciting... they will only continue to flourish." That early synergy helped the 'Noles trade blows with a top-ten opponent, trailing just 8-6 at halftime in a fiercely competitive battle.
However, the second half told a different story. Clemson's offense ignited with an 8-1 run, demonstrating the elite-level execution and stamina that separates the nation's best teams. Despite a strong defensive effort that held Clemson's star freshman, Alexa Spallina, scoreless, the Seminoles couldn't sustain their first-half intensity against the Tigers' relentless pressure.
The finale concludes Florida State's landmark first DI campaign with a 4-12 record. While the final score stings, the season was defined by foundational moments, emerging stars like Meg Kenny—who netted her 30th goal of the year during the contest—and the clear building blocks for the future of Seminoles lacrosse.
