Mequon, Wis. - Despite defeating host Concordia Wisconsin 16-15 Friday afternoon in Wisconsin, the Illinois Tech women's lacrosse team narrowly missed out on a post-season berth, as the Scarlet Hawks lost a goal-differential tie-breaker to the Falcons by two goals. The Scarlet Hawks finished the season 3-8 overall, and 2-4 in NACC play. The Falcons finished the regular season 2-9 overall, and were also 2-4 in conference play, but the two-goal advantage in overall goal-differential gave Concordia Wisconsin the fourth and final NACC tournament seed.
Illinois Tech's Brooke Rowan did everything in her power to try and carry the Scarlet Hawks into post-season play, scoring eight goals and assisting on four others while winning four draws.
The Falcons jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first quarter, including a pair of goals each for Eliana Fuchs and Kami McCardle. The Hawks responded with a goal by Shanie Scoles and a pair of goals by Rowan, sandwiched around another Fuchs goal for the Falcons, as the Hawks cut their deficit to 6-4 at the end of the quarter.
The Hawks outscored the Falcons 4-3 in the second quarter, as Scoles and Rowan each tallied another pair of goals, and the Hawks entered halftime trailing 9-8. Olivia Niego netted a pair of goals for the Falcons in the quarter.
The Scarlet Hawks pulled even with the Falcons in the third quarter, outscoring the Falcons 3-2 to enter the final frame tied 11-11. Ella DeCurtis scored a pair of goals in the quarter for the Hawks.
The Hawks edged the Falcons 5-4 in the final quarter, with Rowan and DeCurtis each scoring a pair of goals in the quarter.
Scarlet Hawks Watch
- Rowan had a monster game, scoring eight goals, assisting on four others, and winning four draws
- DeCurtis scored a career-high four goals and also won four draws
- Scoles finished with three goals, three ground balls, seven draw controls and four caused turnovers to cap off her illustrious Scarlet Hawks career
- Faith Busche tallied three assists in the contest
- Catherine Klemp recovered two ground balls and had three caused turnovers in her final collegiate match
- Allie Sillo recovered three ground balls
- Caitlin Davitt had 14 saves on 29 shots faced
Falcons Watch
- Fuchs scored six goals, had one assist and two caused turnovers
- McCardle and Grace Wilshire each scored three goals for the Falcons
- Natalie Mackrell recovered six ground balls and caused five turnovers in the match
Inside The Box Score
- The Scarlet Hawks were outshot 42-33
- The Hawks had the advantage in draw controls, 19-15
- The Hawks were 13-19 in clear attempts; the Falcons were 14-21
- The Falcons incurred 34 fouls in the match to the Hawks' six
Up Next
- The Scarlet Hawks concluded their 2022 season, just missing out on a post-season berth. Although losing three key seniors, including the high-performing Scoles, the Hawks will look to rebound next year with the returning cast, some new recruits, and a new permanent head coach. Interim Head Coach Kirk Lamitie helped guide the team through this transition season for the squad, providing stability and direction.