Women's Lacrosse edged by DePauw in home opener

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin nearly overcame a five-goal deficit in the second half, but eventually was defeated 12-11 in the home opener against DePauw University on Saturday afternoon at Fitting Field.

The Falcons forced a turnover with 45 seconds to play and then had to go the length of the field for the equalizer. They advanced the ball into their offensive zone but a turnover ended any chance of sending the game into overtime.

DePauw quickly built a 5-1 lead midway through the opening half and held an 8-4 advantage at the intermission. The Tigers increased their lead to a game-high five goals, 11-6, with 16:34 to play in the contest. CUW finally found its offensive rhythm and tallied five markers over the next 12 minutes.

The Falcons seven goals in the second half were due in large part to three being converted on the free position. They also finished 14-of-20 on the clear, won 16-of-27 draw controls and had a 48-38 advantage in ground balls. Shots on goal were almost even, with the Falcons holding a slight 23-22 difference.

DePauw (2-1) was efficient in transition, scoring nine times after successfully clearing the ball, with several coming on one-one-one attempts with the Falcons goalkeeper. The Tigers were led by Emma Flynn who had a game-best five goals and Elizabeth McCracken recorded four assists.

CUW (1-1) was balanced offensively with four players scoring twice and three others adding a goal. Senior Sammi Reiter (Stillwater, Minn.) led the team with three assists, while freshman Allison Kurek (Chicago, Ill.) led all players with 11 ground balls. Kurek and senior Hayley Peppers (Franktown, Colo.) each had five draw control wins, and Peppers led the team with four caused turnovers.

Senior Rebecca David (Oregon, Wis.) made 10 saves in goal, while her counterpart Liz Hawkins had 12 saves.

The Falcons return to action with a pair of game at the 18th Annual Spring Fling in Bradenton, Fla. They will compete against Clarkson University on Wednesday and versus Mount Holyoke College on Thursday.