DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - After three weeks of practice since their last game, the Duhawks will travel to Waukesha, Wisconsin for a bout with the Carroll Pioneers before opening Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference play against the Falcons of Concordia -Wisconsin on Sunday. In the Pioneers, the Duhawks will take on a first year program with both teams looking for their first win of the 2015 season. Sunday's MWLC contest pins Loras against the preseason favorite Falcons.
KUTSCH EARNS MWLC HONORS …
Junior Kaitlyn Kutsch was named Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference Offensive Player of the Week for her performance opening weekend. Kutsch tallied 13 draw controls, nine ground balls, six goals and four caused turnovers on the week.In the Duhawks first game, Kutsch recorded a school record 10 draw controls, one less than Carthage recorded as a team. Her dominance in the circle led to a pair of goals from the Dubuque, Iowa native as Loras fell 24-3 in their season opener. Kutsch tallied a team-high four goals in Loras' matchup with Augsburg. A consistent source of offense for the Duhawks, Kutsch showcased her growth on the defensive end, tallying a program-record seven ground balls and a career-high four caused turnovers.
SOPHOMORE DUO PICKING UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF …
After building a connection aas freshman, sophomores Anna Schwalbe and Hannah Nelson have started where they left of a season ago. Combining for two goals, six caused turnovers and five ground balls, the dynamic duo showcased their improvements on opening weekend. Nelson adds to the Duhawks leadership as a verbal communicator on the field while Schwalbe headlines the low attack. Their development over the course of the season will have a significant effect on the success of the team.
SIX PLAYERS FIND BACK OF NET IN LOSS TO AUGGIES …
Despite the score, Loras benefited from the most balanced attack in the programs history against Augsburg. With six players scoring goals in the bout, the Duhawks set a program record. Kutsch led the way with four while senior Gina Dacy, sophomore Hannah Nelson, sophomore Anna Schwalbe, and freshmen Haley Sundquist and Sarah Hanson cashed in for goals.
TOP DEFENDER SLANKER TAKING ON NEW ROLE …
After joining the team last season, senior Eliza Slanker has improved tremendously. Now looked to as the Duhawks top defender, Slanker holds down the back line while silencing the top player on opposing squads. As a captain on this year's team, Slanker has taken on a leadership role on and off the field. Her play opening weekend proved her ability to anticipate and get physical with opponents within the eight meter.
HANSON, SUNDQUIST MAKING QUICK IMPACT …
Freshmen Hailey Sundquist and Sarah Hanson made their presence known over opening weekend, driving to the net for their first collegiate goals. An aggressive player with the ability to play the midfield, Sundquist pairs nicely alongside junior Kaitlyn Kutsch. Hanson spends her time on attack, giving the Duhawks height near the net.
MAKING A NAME IN 2015 …
With two seasons under their belt, the Loras College Women's Lacrosse team is anxious to "Make a Name" in their third season. With high caliber returners such as junior Kaitlyn Kutsch and a talented flock of freshman, the Duhawks have hopes of surprising teams around the league this season.
NEW FACES IN NET …
With the departures of Claire Sheahan and Meredith Gawlik, the Duhawks tandem in net will feature two new faces. Freshman Ashley McGee will likely get a majority of the minutes but an offseason position change by junior Shaunna Weber provides the Duhawks with an additional option. Commitment to the craft this offseason and in the early part of the preseason has put the duo in a position to make an impact for the Duhawks over the course of the season. As the season goes on, McGee and Weber will only improve.
