MENOMONIE, Wis. – The UW-Stout women's lacrosse team used a dominant first half to cruise past North Central College (Ill.), 16-7, Wednesday evening at Nelson Field.
The Blue Devils (5-3) erupted for 11 first-half goals, including a seven-goal second quarter, to build a commanding 11-3 lead at the break and never looked back.
UW-Stout struck early, getting goals from
Brinley Tonn and
Erin Nolan to jump out in front. After North Central briefly cut into the lead, the Blue Devils responded with back-to-back tallies from
Megan Palmer and
Mai Nou Vang late in the first quarter to take a 4-1 advantage.
The second quarter proved decisive as Stout poured in seven goals in a five-minute span. Palmer led the surge with two goals in the period, while Tonn, Vang,
Ava Loveland,
Paige McConnell, and
Rachel Schwabe all found the back of the net. The Blue Devils took a 11-3 lead into halftime.
Stout added to its lead in the third quarter on McConnell's second goal of the game to make it 12-4. North Central scored once in the period, but could not gain momentum.
The Cardinals made a push early in the fourth quarter with three consecutive goals to cut the deficit to 12-7, but Stout quickly answered. Palmer, Tonn, Loveland, and
Lauren Busho each scored down the stretch to seal the 16-7 victory.
Palmer paced the Blue Devils with four goals, while Tonn added three goals and an assist. Vang recorded two goals and two assists and controlled the midfield with a game-high seven draw controls. Loveland chipped in two goals, and McConnell added two goals and an assist.
Defensively, Stout held North Central to just 20 shots and forced 23 turnovers. Goalkeeper
Anna Hron earned the win, finishing with eight saves.
UW-Stout finished with a 38-20 advantage in shots and controlled the draw, 18-6.
The Blue Devils will host UW-La Crosse on Saturday, March 28 at 12 p.m. at Nelson Field.
