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

April 11., 2016 – With conference play looming, the North Central College women's lacrosse team were tested against Aurora University, but ended up prevailing 16-13 on Monday night at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

The Cardinals got out to a flying start to the game, completely overwhelming the Spartans early. By the time there was 12:27 left in the half, the Cardinals had accumulated an 8-1 lead, and seemed to be in a commanding position. Sophomore Emily Zadny, sophomore Kara Stevens, senior Bianca Perri, junior Kassie Whaling, senior Gina Fisher, junior Madison Maas and senior Claire Norfleet all scored during this time for the Cardinals.

The Spartans would not go down without a fight, and after the early barrage of goals the contest would become much closer. Perri would score on a free position shot with 28 seconds remaining in the half to give the Cardinals a 10-6 lead going into halftime.

The beginning of the second half belonged the Spartans, as they were able to level the score 10-10 with 21:44 on the clock, setting up for what would be a tremendous show of resilience for the Cardinals down the stretch. Whaling and Norfleet's ability to read one another in attack has been a strength all season, and this was especially evident when Whaling scored off a Norfleet assist with 11:22 left to play, then again with 9:59 remaining. These high-pressure situation goals helped steer the Cardinals in the right direction, as they would close out the game with goals to Maas and Fisher, giving them the victory 16-13.

There were several major contributors across the board for the Cardinals. Fisher and Whaling led the way, each having four goals, while Perri had three. As is the norm, Norfleet had a hand in several goals, leading the way with five assists. Fisher was also her usual influential self, leading the team with nine ground balls, while Whaling had three. Fisher also had four draw controls and four caused turnovers, leading the team in both categories. Perri, Maas and Zadny each contributed two draw controls, and Whaling had four caused turnovers.

The Cardinals play next on Wednesday April 13, in their first College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) game of the season at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, against Elmhurst College (3-6). Live stats and video can be accessed by clicking HERE.