Southfield, MI - The #1 Lawrence Technological University women's lacrosse team competed in the National Championship game against #5Â Benedictine College (Kan.). This game came down to the final seconds as both teams left it all out there. LTU would lose by a final score of 9-8. Four LTU players were named to the NAIA National All-Tournament Team after their performances throughout the tournament.Â
How It Happened: LTU 8, BC 9
- The first goal of the game was scored by the Ravens from Erica Odell.
- At the 4:03 mark in the first, Gabi Mitchell tied the game up. Assisted by Abbey Smentowski.
- Just 15 seconds later, BC would score quickly.
- Back-to-back goals with one minute left by Alaina Smythe and Sydney Robinson gave LTU a 3-2 lead.
- In the final seconds, Aiden McEnerney scored for Benedictine to head into the second up one.
- The only two goals scored in the second were by Bella Burke of the Blue Devils, and Margaux Gelbach of the Ravens.
- This game was knotted at four a piece at the break.
- A quick goal in the first minute and half by Hannah Huebner gave LTU the lead back to start the third period.
- Just seven seconds later, the Ravens scored off a free position shot.
- Benedictine would out score LTU 3-1 in the final five minutes of the third to take a 8-6 heading into the fourth.
- At the 13:25 mark, Gabi Mitchell scored her second goal of the game to cut the lead back to one.
- With just under nine to play, Abby Barnewold tied the game up after she found the back of the net.
- The Ravens would put the final touch on this one after a goal was scored with 4:09 left in the game.
- The Blue Devils could not capitalize down the stretch as they came up just short by a score of 9-8.
By The Numbers:
Shots: LTU 28, BC 21
Turnovers: LTU 19, BC 25
Draw Controls: LTU 9, BC 12
NAIA National All-Tournament Team:
Head Coach
Mary Ann Meltzer was named NAIA Coach of the Year.
The Blue Devils would end their season as the national runner-up in the NAIA with an overall record of 17-1.
