Adelphi won’t forget how the 2016 season ended. It was a game-changing upset  — Florida Southern beat the top-seeded Panthers 8-7 to win the Division II national title and spoil their three-peat chances.

Tuesday night, Adelphi got the opportunity to avenge the national championship game loss to Florida Southern and they did so in convincing fashion. The Panthers used a five-goal, first-half rally to get breathing room and cruised to a 12-5 win over the top-ranked Mocs.

It was a game where Adelphi’s stars needed to step up and they did so. Jacqueline Jahelka and Kate Beier both scored four goals to account for 67 percent of the Panthers’ scoring.

Jahelka had two first-half goals, along with Alison Johnson, to help Adelphi open up a 6-2 lead with 6:48 left in the half. Johnson led all players with seven points on two goals and five assists.

The Panthers kept the pressure up in the second half, scoring twice out of halftime to make it 8-3. After Florida Southern cut the lead to 8-5 with 15:29 remaining, Adelphi went on a four-goal rally to end the game.

Adelphi won 15 of 19 draw controls and outshot Florida Southern 29-18.

Kendall Kerge led the way for Florida Southern, scoring twice on the night. Reigning IWLCA Midfielder of the Year Emily Santoli had one goal on two shots.

Adelphi starts its NE-10 schedule with American International on March 8, while Florida Southern will travel to McKendree on Feb. 24.