Reiter scores six goals, late rally not enough for Women's Lacrosse

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Sammi Reiter tallied a season-high six goals, but it wasn't enough to propel Concordia University Wisconsin in a comeback effort during a 12-11 non-conference loss at Otterbein University on Sunday at Clements Field.

The Falcons trailed by as many as five goals in the opening half and by three goals with six minutes to play in the contest. Juniors Hayley Peppers and Reiter scored back-to-back goals, the last coming with 1:48 to play, but CUW couldn't score the equalizer on the road.

CUW (6-3) fell behind by four goals, 10-6, after the Cardinals netted a marker 14 seconds into the second half. Reiter and junior Emily Heckendorf put together a 3-0 scoring run for the Falcons to get within a goal with nine minutes to play. OU (8-3) answered a pair of its own goals to increase their advantage to three goals, 12-9, with six minutes to play.

The Falcons, a team generally strong on the draw control, won just 8-of-25 attempts and was held to 13-of-23 successes on clear chances. A positive was their 4-of-4 conversions on free-position shots.

Reiter (Stillwater, Minn.) also assisted on two goals for a career-high-tying eight points, picked up five ground balls and was a career-best-tying 3-of-3 on free-position shots. Peppers (Franktown, Colo.) and Heckendorf (Merrill, Wis.) each had two goals, while Peppers won a team-high four draw controls.

Freshman Veronika Metanova (Palatine, Ill.) finished with a game-best 16 saves during a complete game effort and has made double-digit saves in five-straight contests.

Maria Blaszcyk led the Cardinals with three goals, while Maddy Blackburn and Tory Blatt tallied two goals each. Annie Kelly recorded a goal and a game-high four assists. Kelley also led all players with six ground balls, eight draw control wins and three caused turnovers.

Megan Burless, a midfielder, took over in net after halftime due to an injury and helped the defense in their victory.

CUW returns to action on Tuesday for a 4 p.m. Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference game against Aurora University at Fitting Field.