SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida earned a 16-12 victory over Warner Thursday afternoon at NCF Bayfront in its final home game of the 2026 season.
The win is NCF's first Sun Conference victory in program history and clinches the Mighty Banyans the No. 6 seed in next week's Sun Conference Tournament.
After trailing 4-1 late in the first quarter, the Mighty Banyans responded with an explosive 11-goal second period to take control.
Ashley Palmer scored twice on free-position opportunities during the run, while
Bella Bradshaw,
Hannah Picott,
Makayla Hardware,
Airiana Jerz, and
Baylie Dow all found the back of the net as NCF flipped the momentum and carried a 12-9 lead into halftime.
Bradshaw led the attack with four goals and an assist, while Palmer added four goals of her own. Picott finished with three goals and two assists, and Hardware contributed two goals and three assists in a five-point performance. Dow added two goals, while Jerz also scored for the Banyans.
NCF remained steady in the second half, with Dow adding a third-quarter goal before Bradshaw and Picott helped close things out in the fourth.
Defensively, the Banyans made key contributions across the field, totaling 16 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers. Picott led the way with six ground balls and two caused turnovers, while Hardware added four ground balls and a caused turnover.
Amanda Pickens anchored the defensive effort with a team-high six caused turnovers, and
Abbigail Hardaker made 10 saves in goal.
New College also controlled possession with 16 draw controls, led by Palmer's five, helping sustain offensive pressure throughout the contest.
The win moves the Mighty Banyans to 5-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play. It will finish the regular season Saturday at No. 8 Ave Maria.
