Falcons continue recent success with victory over Aurora

MEQUON, Wis. – The start of the season was a struggle, but things have been different lately as Concordia University Wisconsin won its fourth game in a row with a 16-7 decision over Aurora University on Tuesday night at Fitting Field.

CUW's fourth-consecutive victory ties the program record and moves them atop the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference standings. The Falcons made it look easy with consecutive goals to start the contest, followed by five-straight markers to increase their lead to 7-1 with just under 10 minutes to play before halftime.

They continued to make the scoreboard operator work after three unanswered goals and five-consecutive from the end of the first half and four-plus minutes into the second half, which pushed the advantage to 15-3. Aurora did score four of the last five goals in the game, but by then it was already decided.

The Spartans got their fair share of shots, but sophomore Veronika Metanova (Palatine, Ill.) was a stalwart in net for the Falcons making 10 saves in a complete-game, winning effort. A three-headed attack of seniors Steph Barry (Gurnee, Ill.) and Emily Heckendorf (Merrill, Wis.), along with freshman Allison Kurek (Chicago, Ill.) each had a hat trick for CUW in the lopsided victory.

While CUW's offense again excited the crowd, its defense is proving to be a force to be reckoned with after forcing 25 turnovers of which 16 were caused. They also limited the Spartans to just 2-of-7 on free position attempts. Metanova anchored the defense with a program-record nine ground balls, while Kurek caused four turnovers. Heckendorf also caused three turnovers and picked up three ground balls.

Freshman Amanda McKay (Portland, Ore.) took advantage of the Spartans fouls inside the 8-meter arc and scored on two free-position attempts. Senior Hannah Redden (Libertyville, Ill.) and Kurek also scored a free-position tally. Kurek also won five of the team's 11 draw control wins.

Aurora (3-5, 1-1 MWLC) was led by Kenny Hughes who recorded a hat trick, while Rachel Cochran scored twice and Lexie Wright add two free-position goals. Danielle Morgan led the team with six ground balls and Wright caused three turnovers.

CUW (5-3, 3-0 MWLC) returns to play on Thursday with a 7 pm MWLC game at Beloit College.