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Box Score

April 23., 2016 – In a contest between two of the best teams in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), the North Central College women's lacrosse team were defeated 10-7 by Illinois Wesleyan University on Saturday afternoon, at Tucci Stadium.

The first half would prove to be a back and-forth-battle between the Cardinals and the Titans, with the Cardinals ultimately gaining the upper hand.. With 19:11 on the clock, senior Bianca Perri opened the scoring for the Cardinals, and ensuring they would not be playing from behind from the outset. Shortly after that, senior Gina Fisher would secure the draw control, then score with 18:46 on the clock to give the Cardinals a 2-0 lead. Senior Claire Norfleet would then continue the fast start for the Cardinals, with their third goal with 16:56 left in the half, thanks to an assist from Perri.

The Titans would answer back with two goals of their own, but junior Kassie Whaling would ensure that the Cardinals went into halftime on a positive note, assisting sophomore Kara Stevens on a goal that would give the Cardinals a 4-2 lead going into the half.

The Titans would push the Cardinals to their limit to begin the second half, when senior Lauren Pavich scored with 28:08 on the clock, followed by freshman Grainne Kelly with 25:46 remaining, then sophomore Abby Kushina with 24:02 left to play. Kushina would score again for the Titans with 16:19 on the clock.

Despite facing a deficit, the Cardinals showed their grit and resolve, refusing to quit and bouncing back with a goal from sophomore Emily Zadny with 15:23 on left to play. Junior Nikki Merriss would then score off a senior Rebecca James assist with 7:17 remaining in the game, making sure the contest would go down to the wire. Norfleet then delivered a clutch goal with 5:00 remaining, thanks to a timely assist from Perri further putting pressure on the Titans lead.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals and despite their best efforts, the Titans would go on to score twice inside of the final three minutes, sealing the victory for them.

The Cardinals will look to bounce back on Wednesday April 27, when they host the University of Dubuque in a CCIW matchup at Benedetti-Wehrli stadium.  Live stats and video can be accessed by clicking HERE.