WARRIORS SECURE FIRST WIN IN PROGRAM HISTORY AT AQUINAS

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Despite playing down one player for an entire match on Wednesday night, Warrior women's lacrosse secured the first win in the program's history on the road at Aquinas, 7-5. Following a high-scoring first half from both teams, RCU held the Saints scoreless for the entire second half to secure the win and make a mark in RCU athletics history. Five Warriors scored goals in the contest, with Natalie Soule and Liliana Tasich leading with two each. Goalkeeper Kendall Cabot produced eight saves, including five in the second half, to help RCU earn the win. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

The Saints quickly took advantage of RCU's personnel situation, pushing the pace and scoring two goals in just two minutes of play. However, the Warriors countered the run with one of their best rallies of the season, scoring four unanswered goals in six minutes. Kicking that off was Natalie Soule, who took advantage of a free position shot. Two minutes later, it was Olivia Soule's turn, scoring unassisted to tie the game. 

The Warriors continued to dominate the pace, with Gracie Phelps scoring by accelerating past trailing Aquinas defenders, scoring 30 seconds later. Crucial to the run was RCU's effort on draw controls, where on both goals, the Warriors managed to wrestle away possession from the Saints and counter with speed. Tasich capped off the run with 4:29 remaining in the second, scoring unassisted to put the Warriors ahead 4-2. The Saints added a goal before the end of the first to bring things to 4-3. 

RCU responded again in the second quarter, with captain Jessica Cadman helping RCU regain its momentum thanks to another unassisted goal with 9:39 remaining in the period. Just over a minute later, Cadman set up Tasich for a goal to put the Warriors ahead 6-3. Following two goals by the Saints to threaten RCU's lead, Natalie Soule showed her consistency at free position attempts this season with a critical goal with under five minutes remaining. 

SECOND HALF

The game's tone changed completely in the second half, with neither team giving up an inch defensively. For the Warriors, who were in a down situation for the entire contest, contesting AQ shots was the name of the game. RCU allowed just two free position shots during the contest, with the sole second-half attempt by Aquinas occurring late in the fourth quarter. Cabot produced one of the best keeping performances of her Warrior career, recording five saves in the second half to help the Warriors overcome a 21-15 shot difference in favor of the Saints. 

The Warriors also stayed out of trouble on the cards for much of the game, which proved to be a major difference-maker in the second half, allowing the Warriors to play even for much of the matchup. Thanks to the foul discipline and Cabot's keeping, the Warriors could shut out the Saints in the second half and maintain the lead until the end. 

STAT OF THE GAME

RCU's 15 goals in two games (eight against Madonna) is the best scoring stretch by RCU since the start of the program. The Warriors forced five free position shots in this contest, allowing RCU to keep the ball on AQ's side of the field. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors are scheduled to make their home debut on Saturday against the Indiana Tech Warriors at Rochester High School, with game time starting at 2 p.m.

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications