MEQUON, Wis. – It's no surprise Concordia University Wisconsin is advancing to the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference Tournament Championship game after cruising past Benedictine University, 23-3, on Friday afternoon at Fitting Field.
The top-seeded Falcons will now play second-seeded Aurora University in the MWLC Tournament Championship game on Saturday at 2 pm. The winner earns the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, which is announced on Sunday at 8:30 pm. The Spartans defeated third-seeded Beloit College, 10-6.
CUW scored nine-straight goals to start the game before Benedictine scored, but then added 10 more goals in a row to put the game well out of reach. The Falcons controlled the statistics with a 46-8 shots advantage (30-4 on goal), 25-13 lead in ground balls, won 18-of-26 draw controls and forced 25 turnovers of which 21 were caused, which is a program record for CUW. As well, its 36 points (23 goals, 13 assists) set a program game record. The Falcons' 23 goals were the second most in a game in program history, while its 13 goals and 46 shots were tied for third most.
CUW harassed Benedictine from the start and didn't allow them into their offensive zone for the first 15 minutes of the game. On just their second successful clear of the game with eight minutes to play before halftime, did the Falcons give up a goal to the Eagles. The visitors ended the game a dismal 6-of-20 on clear attempts.
MWLC Rookie of the Year Allison Kurek (Chicago, Ill.) was outstanding with a program record 10 caused turnovers and nine ground balls, to go along with five goals, one assist, and six draw control wins. She also set the program's season record for ground balls.
Senior Sammi Reiter (Stillwater, Minn.) also found a rhythm on the offensive end with four goals and two assists, while seniors Hannah Redden (Libertyville, Ill.) and Emily Heckendorf (Merrill, Wis.) each had four points. Senior Hayley Peppers (Franktown, Colo.) had a career-high-tying three assists. Junior Sabrina Boehlke (Random Lake, Wis.) won five draw controls and freshman Amanda McKay (Portland, Ore.) tallied a career-high four points (two goals and two assists). Senior Steph Barry (Gurnee, Ill.) also found the back of the net twice. In addition, sophomore Allie Novick (Schaumburg, Ill.) scored her first career goal with three minutes to play in the game.
The Falcons finished the victory 3-for-5 on free-position attempts and have now scored multiple free-position goals in 11-of-18 games this season. Senior goalkeeper Rebecca David (Oregon, Wis.) faced just four shots and made a save in the second during to earn the win. The win ties the program record for victories in a season.
CUW (12-6) also set the program's season record for points, goals, assists, shots, shots on goal, ground balls, draw control wins and free-position goals throughout the course of victory. CUW has dominated the MWLC regular season, outscoring opponents by double-figures in five of seven contests. They entered the MWLC Tournament on a three-game winning streak and extended it to four after an impressive display on both ends of the field against the Eagles.
Benedictine (5-11) was led by three players who had a goal and Hannah Smith made seven saves in goal.
