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

Mar. 23, 2024 - Putting forth its finest defensive effort thus far this season, the North Central College women's lacrosse team won its third straight home game Saturday, defeating Beloit College, 11-5, at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

The Cardinals (4-3) held Beloit scoreless for nearly the entire second half and caused a season-high 20 turnovers, taking the lead for good midway through the second period and permitting the Buccaneers just six shot attempts after halftime.

The contest was tied, 3-3, with 12:44 to play in the second period following two goals in a one-minute span by Beloit's Maggie Mudd. Following a draw control by Madison Smith, the Cardinals got a go-ahead score from Abby MacKenzie and soon added goals by Lucy Culig and Annelise Oster over the next two minutes to take a 6-3 advantage.

The Buccaneers (2-3) got a goal from Maya DeGeorge with 6:54 left in the half, which stood as Beloit's final score until just 11 seconds remained in the game. Oster scored a free-position goal with 1:49 before halftime, and MacKenzie and Culig each added goals in the third period. MacKenzie scored a game-high fifth goal early in the fourth quarter before Smith posted the hosts' final score with 3:41 to play.

MacKenzie also led the Cardinals with five draw controls while Tori Leonard grabbed a team-best five ground balls. Leonard, McKenzie and Taylor Smith shared the team lead with four caused turnovers each.

North Central plays its final non-conference game Tuesday, hosting Pacific University (Oregon) at 7:00 p.m. Click HERE for the full 2024 schedule and live coverage options.

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