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

Feb. 26, 2025 - Setting the tone early and staying in front throughout the evening, the North Central College women's lacrosse team began its 2025 season with a victory Wednesday, defeating Cornell College (Iowa), 17-10, at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

The Cardinals scored the game's first five goals and withstood an early challenge to claim victory in the first meeting between the two programs since 2016.

North Central's first three goals came from Annelise Oster, and Zoe Palm added a fourth goal as the hosts owned a 4-0 advantage after one quarter of play. The lead reached 5-0 before CeCe Zanoni got the Rams on the board with 13:38 left in the first half. A run of three straight goals in a two-minute stretch cut the visitors' deficit to 6-4, but the Cardinals responded with scores by Lucy Culig, Rachel Lawrence and Abby MacKenzie to regain some breathing room. MacKenzie scored again with just 10.9 seconds on the clock to send the hosts into halftime with a 10-5 advantage.

The Cardinals took control for good after scoring five consecutive goals to start the second half, including four straight free-position scores from Oster and a goal by Ellie Gosselin. North Central led by at least seven goals the rest of the way.

Oster scored seven times to narrowly missing tying a career high, while MacKenzie scored six goals and Taylor Smith finished with four ground balls and three caused turnovers. Oran Wilkins saved three shots on goal in the first half, while Alyssa Rose stopped five shots in the second half.

North Central travels to face Illinois Institute of Technology Saturday, beginning at noon. Click HERE for the full 2025 schedule and live coverage options.

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