Falcons build early advantage in season-opening win

BELOIT, Wis. – Concordia Wisconsin held a 6-3 lead at halftime and increased its advantage to six goals before eventually going on to earn a season-opening 11-8 victory at Beloit on Wednesday afternoon. The game was also an MWLC contest for both teams.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 11, Beloit 8
Location: Strong Stadium (Beloit, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 1-0, Beloit 0-2

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Senior Lauren Paquin (Waukesha, Wis.) did all of her damage in the opening half, scoring four goals during a 16-minute span to push Concordia Wisconsin to a 6-2 lead with seven minutes and 41 seconds to play before halftime.
- After the intermission, the Falcons added three more goals to go ahead by six goals, 9-3, with 19:48 to play in the MWLC matchup. Senior Kristen Kennedy (London, Ontario) would score two of her three goals in the second half and assist on two markers in the first half for a career-high-tying five-point day.
- Freshman Megan McPike (Mequon, Wis.) had a hat trick of her own, scoring twice in the second half.
- Beloit did make a run in the second half, scoring five goals within a 12-and-a-half minute span to put the scoreboard at 10-8 with six minutes and 27 seconds to play. Concordia Wisconsin's defense stood strong to preserve the victory.
- Paquin won 12 draw controls, which was one shy of tying the program record. She also had two caused turnovers. Freshman Kinsey Weyer (Stillwater, Minn.) made seven saves in a complete game effort in goal to earn the victory.
- The Falcons caused 20 turnovers in the game and McPike led them with four. In all, 10 players caused a turnover for the visitors.
- Nicole Dolcimascolo led the Buccaneers with four goals, while Alexa Arakelian had nine saves, six ground balls and three caused turnovers in goal.

GAME NOTES
- The game wasn't smooth, with a combined 67 turnovers (35 for Concordia Wisconsin and 32 for Beloit).
- The Falcons were 2-of-7 on free-position shots, while the Buccaneers were 3-of-10.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin hosts UW-River Falls on Saturday at 3 pm at Fitting Field for its home opener.