For the second week in a row, Clemson women’s lacrosse suffered a loss by one goal to a nationally ranked team. On Saturday, the Tigers fell to No. 12 Florida, 14-13.

One week earlier, on Feb. 14, Clemson lost by a hair to No. 3 Stanford. Despite a 24-5 tune up win over Queens the following Tuesday, the Tigers could not hold onto momentum once the weekend matchup arrived.

Despite the loss, Natalie Shurtleff had a career day. Clemson’s star midfielder recorded seven goals, tying a program record, and added an assist.

The Gators jumped out to a 4-0 lead, stunning the Tigers until Shurtleff’s first-quarter hat trick tied the game at 5-5.

The two teams traded goals for the entirety of the second quarter. With just over three minutes remaining in the first half, Jasmine Stanton gave Clemson the lead, 8-7. It was the first and only lead the Tigers held during the contest.

From there, Florida scored six straight goals, creating a deficit that Clemson would not recover from.

Now sitting at 3-2, the Tigers are already at a crossroads in their season. With five ranked opponents yet to play and two more receiving votes, Clemson is currently ranked No. 7 in the ACC standings.

The Tigers will head to Massachusetts on Feb. 28 to play No. 8 Boston College to wrap up the month. The Eagles were the No. 3 team in the preseason, but have since been derailed by a 0-3 start for the first time since 2001.

Once March begins, Clemson returns home to the newly minted Conklin Field to face No. 1 North Carolina.