SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — A late free-position goal from Indiana Tech proved to be the difference as Lawrence Tech women's lacrosse dropped an 11-8 decision to the Warriors at Blue Devil Stadium.

Indiana Tech used a decisive stretch spanning the second and third quarters to build a 10-5 advantage and then held off a fourth-quarter push from the Blue Devils. Lawrence Tech matched the Warriors shot for shot, 25 shots - 25 shots, and generated a late run, but a conversion with 3:59 remaining in the fourth quarter provided critical separation.

Alyson Walendzak powered the Lawrence Tech attack with a game-high six points, finishing with four goals and two assists on nine shots, including seven on frame. She also contributed on the draw with four draw controls and picked up three ground balls. Morgan Waligora added two key second-half goals, while Bella Louwerse and Emma Barton each found the back of the net once. Barton also scored in the first quarter off a feed from Jocelyn Vander Zwaag as part of a strong opening 30 minutes for the Blue Devils' offense.

Vander Zwaag directed much of Lawrence Tech's midfield play and finished with three assists, three ground balls, three draw controls and four caused turnovers, repeatedly disrupting Indiana Tech possessions. Defensively, the Blue Devils collected 22 ground balls and forced the Warriors into 23 turnovers, helping Lawrence Tech stay within striking distance despite Indiana's production from the free-position arc.

Lawrence Tech started quickly when Walendzak netted the opening goal just over a minute into the first quarter for a 1-0 lead. The visitors, however, closed the frame on a 2-0 run to take a 3-2 edge into the second quarter. The teams traded momentum throughout the second, with Walendzak scoring three times in the period — including a man-up tally to tie it 3-3 and another to put Lawrence Tech in front 4-3 — before Indiana Tech responded with three straight goals to carry a 7-5 advantage into halftime.

Indiana Tech extended its lead with three unanswered goals to open the third quarter, pushing the margin to 10-5. Lawrence Tech answered with back-to-back strikes late in the frame, as Louwerse pulled one back and Waligora scored off a Walendzak assist to make it 10-7 heading to the fourth. After a defensive stalemate to open the final quarter, a free-position goal restored a four-goal cushion for Indiana Tech. Waligora's second, again assisted by Walendzak, brought the Blue Devils within 11-8, but Lawrence Tech could not find another breakthrough down the stretch.

Both teams' goalkeepers finished with 10 saves as the Blue Devils placed 18 of their 25 shots on goal and went a perfect 10-for-10 on clears. Lawrence Tech also held a 22-17 edge in ground balls and limited Indiana Tech to 11 successful clears on 15 attempts, turning in a strong ride throughout the afternoon. Indiana Tech gained a slight advantage in draw controls, 12-9, which helped the Warriors generate extra possessions during their decisive middle-quarter surge.

Lawrence Tech will look to build on the offensive chemistry shown by Walendzak, Waligora and Vander Zwaag as the Blue Devils continue play and prepare for the heart of the spring schedule on March 25 at home in Southfield, Mich. against Marian University Ind.