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Box Score

April 9., 2016 – It took only two weeks for the North Central College women's lacrosse team to equal the recently set team record for goals scored in a game, as they defeated the University of Northwestern (Minnesota) 24-4 at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Head Coach Danielle Fiala could not have been any more pleased with how the Cardinals started the game, as it only took the team 14 minutes to accumulate a 9-0 lead. Senior Gina Fisher played a key role in the Cardinal's fast start, scoring three goals in 14 minutes and also gaining four draw controls. Senior Claire Norfleet was also heavily involved in the Cardinal's early dominance, scoring three goals herself while also assisting on three others.

The Cardinals would close out the first half with a 14-3 lead, leaving any hopes of victory for the Eagles slim and requiring something miraculous.

There was no letting up for the Cardinals in the second half, as it took less than a minute for them to score thanks to a free position shot from sophomore Emily Zadny. With 25:12 on the clock junior Kassie Whaling extended the lead again, followed by junior Madison Maas with 23:20 remaining and then Fisher with 22:22 left to play. With the Cardinals holding a commanding 18-4, the odds of a comeback were near impossible and the possibility of breaking the team record for goals scored became highly realistic.

While the Cardinals have had much success running a fast break offense, they have also been effective using set plays and this was evident when they ended up equaling the goals scored record. Fittingly, it was Fisher who would score the record-equaling goal, scoring on a free-position shot with 41 seconds left in the game.

Tying the team record for goals in a game was always going to take a complete team effort, and this was evident in the many different goal scorers the Eagles had to deal with. Fisher led the way with six, while Maas had five and Norfleet had four. As usual, Norfleet was instrumental in creating opportunities for her teammates, registering a game high six assists, followed by Fisher who finished with five. Fisher also led the way in groundballs, with seven, and caused turnovers with seven. The Cardinals dominance out of the center circle was largely due to Norfleet's six draw controls, to go along with Fisher and Maas's five.

The Cardinals play next on Monday April 11, when they return to Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium to face Aurora University (6-5). Live stats can be accessed by clicking HERE.