Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Mar. 16, 2024) - An early fourth-quarter scoring run turned the tide against the North Central College women's lacrosse team at Kalamazoo College Saturday, as the Cardinals lost a 15-11 decision to the homestanding Hornets.

In a game which featured six lead changes, the Cardinals (2-3) overcame a 5-4 halftime deficit by scoring six third-quarter goals to take a 10-8 advantage into the final period. Abby MacKenzie tied the score at 5-5 by scoring with 12:55 on the clock, and Annelise Oster followed with a free-position goal before MacKenzie found the net again to give the visitors a 7-5 lead with 7:30 left in the period.

Kalamazoo put together a 3-0 surge in just 1:06, securing three straight draw controls, to pull back in front, though the Cardinals countered with goals by Oster and Skylar Kipka in rapid succession to nudge North Central ahead once again. Oster scored again with just 11 seconds to play to provide a 10-8 lead heading into the final frame.

The Hornets (5-1) pulled in front for good with a five-goal blitz over the first 4:15 of the fourth quarter, collecting five straight draw controls to maintain possession the entire time. Oster countered with the last of a career-high six goals with 10:08 to play, but North Central was held scoreless the rest of the way.

MacKenzie added three goals and shared the team lead in draw controls (3) with Rachel Lawrence, while goalkeeper Cassidy Anderson saved 11 shots.

The Cardinals host Illinois Institute of Technology (2-4) Tuesday. Play at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium is scheduled to commence at 7:00 p.m. Click HERE for the full 2024 schedule and live coverage options.

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