Falcons close regular season with road victory over Augsburg

MINNEAPOLIS – Concordia University Wisconsin closed the regular season with its third-consecutive victory after defeating Augsburg College, 24-8, on Saturday afternoon at Edor Nelson Field. The victory was the eighth win by 10 or more goals this season.

CUW trailed briefly to start the game before rattling off eight unanswered goals to take control of the non-conference matchup. The Falcons also added six-straight and five in a row in the second half to finish with a program record 24 goals. It was also their 11th win of the season, which is one shy of tying the program record.

Freshman Allison Kurek (Chicago, Ill.) led all players with a career-high eight points, including six goals, while also setting the program record for draw control wins in a game with 13. She also caused four turnovers, which was one shy of tying the program record. Senior Hayley Peppers (Franktown, Colo.) added five goals, one assist and three draw control wins.

Senior Emily Heckendorf (Merrill, Wis.) had a career game with four goals, while senior Hannah Redden (Libertyville, Ill.) continued her recent offensive outburst with three goals and three assists. In all, 10 different Falcons found the back of the net to lead the balanced attack. Sophomore Veronika Metanova (Palatine, Ill.) earned the victory with 10 saves between the pipes. CUW ended the game with 33 points (one shy of tying the program record) and 22 draw control wins, which is the second most all-time in a game in team history. They also finished with a 34-18 shots on goal advantage over the Auggies.

The game was somewhat sloppy with a combined 55 turnovers of which 32 were caused, including 18 by the Falcons. Junior Jenna Brown (Roseville, Minn.) led the visitor's defensive efforts with a career-high three caused turnovers, while senior Sammi Reiter (Stillwater, Minn.) also caused three turnovers.

Helena Hguyen paced the Auggies (6-8) with four goals, while Delaney Everett scored twice. Marissa Guillou made 10 saves and had a team-best five ground balls.

CUW next plays on Friday in a Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference Tournament semifinal game against Benedictine University at 1 pm at Fitting Field. The last time the two teams met, the Falcons won easily, 13-0, over the Eagles in Lisle, Ill.