Women's Lacrosse | April 12, 2016

SERIES HISTORY: UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE
In their three meetings, the Duhawks and Spartans are level at 2–2 all-time in the series history. Both sides have alternated wins over the past three seasons, which began with a Loras win in 2013.

LAST MEETING VERSUS DUBUQUE
The Spartans used a big first half to take their first program win of the season in 2015. Ashley McGee's double-digit save performance was not enough to contain the Spartans, who took the game 16-6. Then-junior Kaitlyn Kutsch posted two goals while Hannah Nelson added three draw controls and corralled four ground balls.

SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
In their fourth season as a varsity program, University of Dubuque has progressed to an 8–2 overall record and a 1–0 record in the CCIW this season. Prior to a loss against Aurora, the Spartans were on a seven-game winning streak, much in part to Kelly Wetherald and Breann Tjaarda. Wetherald leads the Spartans with 37 goals and is second on the team with 12 assists. Counterpart Tjaarda has posted 33 goals and leads the team with 41 draw controls.

SERIES HISTORY: CONCORDIA CHICAGO
This is the first time the Duhawks and the Cougars will meet in both programs' histories.

SCOUTING THE COUGARS
On the hunt for their first win in program history, the Cougars are also looking to snap a streak of two scoreless games. Four different Cougars have served as offensive outlets for the young squad. Margaret Doane and Sonja Sorenson each lead the team with nine goals. Sorenson has proved to bring dynamic play to the field with 21 ground balls, winning 10 draw controls and causing 10 turnovers. Anna Keller and Sydney Fuller accompany Doane and Sorenson with six goals a piece. Keller currently leads the team with 26 won-draw controls and 12 caused turnovers.

SERIES HISTORY: WARTBURG
The Knights won the only meeting between the two sides in program history, a 9–8 triple overtime win in 2015.

LAST MEETING WITH THE KNIGHTS
In the 2015 chapter of the series history between Loras and Wartburg, the Knights needed three overtimes to walk away with the 9–8 win. Ashley Lahti scored the game-winning goal to lift the Knights to the win.

SCOUTING THE KNIGHTS
Loras' third game of the week sends the Duhawks to Waverly for a MWLC contest against Wartburg. The Knights, in their second year as a program, currently stand at 5–7 overall and 2–4 in conference play. Wartburg features five double-digit scorers, led by Megan Howe who has found the back of the net on 31 occasions. Ashley Lahti leads the team in points with her 24 goals and 13 assists. Against common opponents with Loras, Wartburg is 3–3, while Loras is 2–4.
 
HANSON FINDING HER WAY ON OFFENSE
Sophomore Sarah Hanson has shown significant improvement since the beginning of her freshman season with the Duhawks. Hanson has appeared in and started all 10 games this season. In 2016, Hanson is ranked second on the team in scoring with 11 goals, while adding a team-leading seven assists. Nineteen of Hanson's 21 shots this season have found the target, resulting in a .905 shot on goal percentage.
 
DEFENSE DOUBLING DOWN
While the Duhawk attack has at times stolen the spotlight this season, it is quite hard to ignore the statement sophomore Ashley McGee has made in the net. The Nazareth Academy graduate has posted double-digit saves in four games this season. With those numbers, McGee has landed herself in the third slot for most saves in the MWLC this season with 90.

DEFENSE COMING TOGETHER
In two of the Duhawks' three wins this season, the opposing goalie has recorded more saves than McGee. This stat line illustrates the effectiveness that the defenders in from of McGee are having on the game. The trio of junior Hailey Frederick, sophomore Nia Stompanato and freshman Martha Venchus have anchored the backline for the Duhawks this season, combining for 63 ground balls and 43 turnovers. Their turnover total represents 40 percent of Loras' total for the season.