BELOIT, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin women's lacrosse team was narrowly defeated by Beloit on Saturday, 15-14, dropping their record to 3-7 overall and 2-2 in the NACC.

The Buccaneers jumped out to an early lead, outscoring the Falcons 6-3 in the first quarter.

Concordia's scoring was led by senior Kami McCardle (Jackson, Wis.), who converted a free position shot for the first goal.

Later, junior Katelyn Cardinale (Mt. Laurel, N.J.) scored off an assist from McCardle, bringing the Falcons within 2-4 with 6:36 left in the opening period.

McCardle added another goal before the end of the quarter, leaving the Falcons trailing 3-6 after the first 15 minutes.

Concordia fought back in the second quarter, outscoring the Buccaneers 3-2.

Cardinale scored just 39 seconds into the period with a free position goal, and less than a minute later, McCardle's second goal of the game cut the deficit to 5-6.

However, Beloit answered with two quick goals before McCardle scored again, this time from another free position, to close out the half with Concordia trailing 7-8.

The third quarter saw both teams trade two goals each, with Beloit maintaining a 10-8 lead. Cardinale was responsible for both of the Falcons' goals in the quarter, receiving assists from sophomore Carolyn Bourgeault (Buffalo, N.Y.) and freshman Sophia Whiteaker (Normal, Ill.).

The final period started with a surge from Beloit, who scored three goals in the first three minutes to take a commanding 13-8 lead.

However, Concordia refused to back down, embarking on a 6-2 run to close the gap. Senior Natalie Mackrell (Florissant, Colo.) opened the scoring for the Falcons, and Whiteaker assisted McCardle's third goal of the game, cutting the deficit to 11-12.

Less than a minute later, Mackrell struck again, this time unassisted, making the score 14-11 in favor of Beloit.

The Falcons kept pushing, and after a Beloit goal, they scored three times in the final 3:26. Mackrell netted her third goal of the game, while sophomore Emily Robertson (Chicago, Ill.) scored with 2:47 left to pull Concordia within one at 13-15.

Cardinale then added a goal with just 23 seconds remaining, bringing the Falcons to within a single goal at 14-15.

Despite their best efforts, Concordia couldn't find the equalizer and fell short of forcing overtime.

McCardle had a standout performance, recording a career-high five goals and six points, along with an assist and two caused turnovers.

Cardinale also had a strong showing with five goals and seven shots on goal.

Mackrell recorded her first hat trick of the season, while Whiteaker tallied a season-high two assists.

Defensively, freshman Gretchen Paaverud (Ramsey, Minn.) led the team with four ground balls, while Cardinale dominated draw controls with nine.

In goal, sophomore Parks Cawthray (Oakville, Ont.) made four saves to keep the Falcons within reach.

Concordia will look to bounce back as they return to NACC play, hosting Lawrence at Fitting Field next.