SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – The #1 Lawrence Technological University women's lacrosse team trailed 14-12 with 12:32 left in the game before three unanswered goals, the last from Bella Burke with 2:16 remaining completed a 15-14 comeback win for the Blue Devils to earn the WHAC Tournament title.

How It Happened:

• The teams traded blows early on as LTU held a slim 6-5 margin after the first quarter, thanks to last-minute goals by Gabi Mitchell and Abbey Smentowski.
• The Saints scored three-of-four goals in a quieter second 15 minutes as LTU trailed 8-7 at the half, just the second time this season they trailed going into the break (season opener vs #2 Cumberlands).
• Another pair of goals from Mitchell and Smentowski six minutes into the third put LTU ahead 11-10.
• The Saints tied the game at 12-12 with just over five minutes left in the third and that score held until the fourth.
• SHU rode that momentum into the final frame as it added two markers in the first 2:28 of play to open up a two-goal advantage, tied for the largest lead of the game.
• The experienced senior class took charge in the final quarter, first with Abby Barnewold setting up Burke off a free position with 11:49 to go.
• With LTU playing a woman-down, Smentowski scored her fifth of the game to knot it at 14-14 with 6:21 remaining in regulation.
• After each team looked for the go-ahead goal on multiple possessions, Burke finally broke the tie as she scored the game-winner with 2:16 left to go.
• The Blue Devils won the ensuing draw and burnt off most of the clock beside a hurried attempt by the Saints from just outside the LTU restraining line as time expired.

Inside the Numbers:

• Smentowski's game-high five goals give her 42 on the season.
• Burke and Sydney Robinson each scored a pair while the latter added three assists.
• Barnewold added a goal and three helpers.
• LTU out shot SHU 35-28.
• The Blue Devils were successful on 15-of-21 (71.4%) clears as opposed to the Saints completing 13-of-23 (56.5%).
• This is Lawrence Tech's second straight WHAC tournament title and has now won 4-of-8 tournament championships.

#1 Lawrence Tech earns the WHAC's automatic bid to the NAIA Nationals that the Blue Devils host, beginning on May 4^th, with times and matchups to be determined.