WILMINGTON, Ohio (Duhawks.com) - Sophomore Hannah Nelson's four goals paired with a solid performance by freshman goalkeeper Ashley McGee propelled the Loras College Women's Lacrosse team to a 8-7 win over the Wilmington Fightin' Quakers on Wednesday.
Nelson nailed in an eight meter shot, just over three minutes into the game, lifting the Duhawks (3-6, 1-2) to an early 1-0 lead.
Wilmington (2-7, 0-4) responded quickly, leveling the score at one but the Duhawks fired right back as freshman Sarah Hanson fed Nelson on a cut. With just enough room to fire, Nelson buried a shot into the back of net putting Loras in front 2-1.
As the Duhawks were held scoreless for the next 13 minutes, Wilmington scored goals two minutes apart to take a 3-2 lead.
With her team trailing by one, sophomore Megan Henry drove to the net and ended Loras' scoring drought, tying the game at three.
Junior Kaitlyn Kutsch won the ensuing draw, and rushed down field. Fouled on her way to the net, Kutsch garnered a free position opportunity. Just 17 seconds after Henry's goal, Kutsch slipped one past the goalkeeper, lifting the Duhawks to a 4-3 edge.
As the Duhawk defense stood tall, anchored by clutch saves by freshman Ashley McGee, Hanson extended Loras' lead with a goal of her own with 8:24 to play before halftime.
Wilmington tallied late but sophomore Anna Schwalbe fed Hanson on a cut, for the Duhawks rebuttal. Hanson's goal gave Loras a 6-4 lead at the break.
As she did in the first half, Nelson opened scoring in the second half, cashing in on a free position to move Loras' lead to three.
Nelson scored her second goal of the half with 17:32 to play, moving Loras' lead to 8-4.
Over the next 16 minutes of play, the Fightin' Quakers scored three unanswered goals, cutting Loras' lead to one.
The Duhawks won the ensuing draw control, possessing as time ran out to secure the 8-7 win.
Game Changer
Sophomore Hannah Nelson's goal with 17:32 to play made the difference, giving the Duhawks an 8-4 lead
Key Stat
Freshman Ashley McGee edged out Wilmington's goalkeeper, boasting a .500 save percentage to the Fightin' Quakers .467
Notables
- Sophomore Hannah Nelson scored four goals, tying a career-high
- Loras scored two goals off of an assist, marking the third time the Duhawks have done so this season
- In Loras' three wins this season, freshman Ashley McGee has boasted a save percentage of .500 or higher
- Freshman Sarah Hanson tallied three points for the second consecutive game, scoring two goals and adding an assist
Quotable
Hannah Nelson, sophomore midfielder
"The teams we've been playing know that Kaitlyn is a player to watch. They have been putting pressure on her, leaving openings in their defense. When the attack makes cuts through the eight we are able to get the defense to shift out of place. I have been able to see some of these holes and I've been lucky enough to get the ball when I find them."
Sarah Hanson, freshman attack
"I ran the ball around the twelve and worked my way back behind goal. Hannah made a cut from the top of the eight and I was able to get the pass to her and she finished it."
Up Next
Loras wraps up their spring break trip with a stop in Hanover, Indiana where they take on the Panthers of Hanover. Opening draw is set for 3:30 p.m. (EST).
