Women's Lacrosse outlasts North Central in overtime

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – There surely wasn't a shortage of offense on Tuesday night at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, as Concordia University Wisconsin outlasted North Central College, 21-20, in an overtime non-conference victory. It was the first overtime win for the Falcons in program history.

The Cardinals held a three-goal lead midway through the second half, but the Falcons recorded five unanswered goals to own a 20-18 advantage with 5:44 to play. North Central marked a pair of goals over the last three minutes to send the game into extra time. It was Jenna Brown's career-high fourth goal that was the deciding factor at 1:14 in the overtime period.

The Falcons controlled the extra frame, outshooting the Cardinals, 5-0, and forcing four turnovers of which two were caused. They also held a 5-2 lead in ground balls and stopped North Central twice on the clear.

CUW had previously lost a double and triple overtime game, but found a way to win past regulation. The victory also snapped a two-game skid and was the second-straight over North Central. The 41 combined goals were the most scored in a game in Falcons history and they moved their non-conference record to 3-6. There were four scoring ties and five lead changes in the offense showcase.

The Falcons 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) tied a program record set nearly a year ago during a win over Loras College. Their 21 goals and 13 assists were each one shy of tying the program's game record, while the 26 draw control's won set a new record. CUW also finished 4-of-6 on free-position attempts and caused 11 turnovers.

Senior Hannah Redden (Libertyville, Ill.) and freshman Allison Kurek (Chicago, Ill.) each finished with seven points, which is two shy of the program's game record. As well, Redden dished out five assists. Kurek again stuffed the box score by adding three assists, eight ground balls (one shy of tying the program record), eight draw control wins and two caused turnovers.

Brown (junior, Roseville, Minn.) had a career-high five points, which included four goals, and four draw control wins. Kurek's seven points were a career high, as were her three assists and eight ground balls. Senior Hayley Peppers (Franktown, Colo.) had an impressive all-around performance with four goals, eight ground balls, eight draw control wins and two caused turnovers.

Senior Emily Heckendorf (Merrill, Wis.) recorded three goals, three draw control wins and two ground balls, while senior Sammi Reiter (Stillwater, Minn.) scored twice and assisted on two scores. Freshman Amanda McKay (Portland, Ore.) ended with three ground balls, three draw control wins and two caused turnovers.

In goal, senior Rebecca David (Oregon, Wis.) earned the win in relief after playing the final 22:17 and making four saves. Sophomore Veronika Metanova (Palatine, Ill.) made six saves as the starter.

Gina Fisher stared for North Central with eight goals, nine ground balls, six draw control wins and four caused turnovers. Kassie Whaling had four goals, while Claire Norfleet and Bianca Perri each tallied a hat trick. Whaling and Emily Zadny twice scored free-position goals. Kat Schultz took the loss in goal after making 10 saves.

North Central tallied a trio of goals during a minute and 25 second span early in the game and extended its lead to 9-2 with eight-plus minutes before halftime. It appeared as if the hosts were going to run away with the contest, but CUW had other plans. The Falcons slowly chipped away at the deficit and tied the game at 13-13 with 21 minutes remaining in the game.

CUW will play for the outright Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference regular season title on Thursday with a 7 pm game at Illinois Institute of Technology.