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Contact: Elliott Carr, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302
 
Box Score

Mar. 5, 2016 -The North Central College women's lacrosse team opened the 2016 season with a 14-10 victory over the DePauw University Tigers at Reavis Stadium on Saturday.

Junior Nikki Merriss opened the scoring for the Cardinals, converting on a free position shot in the 21:14 on the clock. The early goal set the tone for the remainder of the match, with the head coach Danielle Fiala's up-tempo game plan executed to near perfection.

Senior Bianca Perri would extend the lead shortly after, scoring in the 19:27 remaining. The Tigers would bounce back to score in the 15:34 left, and briefly gain a 3-2 lead with 12:36 on the clock.

Senior Claire Norfleet would then step up and provide valuable veteran leadership and help the Cardinals regain the lead by scoring two consecutive goals, first in the 8:16 remaining minute and then once again with 4:07 left.

The Cardinals would then consolidate their lead going into halftime, with Perri and sophomore Kara Stevens scoring, building the lead to 6-3.

The senior leadership at the Cardinals disposal was again evident in the second half, as it was dominated by senior Gina Fisher, as she scored three goals in the half (23:10, 22:05, 13:35). To go along with her goals, she also finished with three assists, eight groundballs and four caused turnovers.

Multiple scoring threats were on display for the Cardinals, as junior Madison Maas would finish with two goals, while juniors Stevens, Anicia Mattingly and Kassie Whaling would each finish with one.

Junior Goalkeeper Kat Schultz and freshman Camille Seghesio also came up with key saves throughout the match, recording five and two apiece.

With DePauw coming off a victory over Carthage (picked second in the Collegiate Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin coaches poll), the Cardinals have definitely started off on the right foot and set themselves up for what is shaping up to be a highly successful and entertaining season.

The Cardinals play next on Mar. 12 when they will visit Concordia University Wisconsin (0-0) in Mequon at 4 P.M. Live in game statistics and audio can be accessed by clicking HERE.