The No. 3 ranked Lindenwood women's lacrosse team rallied in the second half of play for a dramatic 9-8 comeback victory versus the IUP Crimson Hawks on Sunday afternoon. The non-conference game was played at Miller Stadium in Indiana, Pa.
The Crimson Hawks jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, scoring twice within the first 4:36. Lindenwood's
Sophie Buelow capitalized on a free position attempt with 20:19 remaining in the first half, cutting the Lady Lion deficit in half. IUP would score three more unanswered goals during the opening period, extending its lead to 5-1 heading into halftime.
The Crimson Hawks would strike first in the second half, growing their lead to five goals with just over 27 minutes remaining. Beginning at the 23:07 mark, Lindenwood poured in four consecutive goals over a 9:16 span, trimming the Crimson Hawk lead from 6-1 to 6-5.
Rachel Benzing tallied the first two goals for Lindenwood, while
Sophie Buelow and
Amanda Schimpke added the remaining two.
Jordyn Constance,
Hannah Doughty, and Benzing all tallied assists during the Lady Lion outburst. IUP answered the Lindenwood run with a Kim Hooven goal, making the score 7-5 in favor of the Crimson Hawks. Benzing responded with a free position goal with 11:05 remaining in the half. For Benzing the goal was her third score of the afternoon, again helping draw Lindenwood within one goal. IUP regained its two goal lead 1:13 after Benzing's score, pushing its lead to 8-6. With just over five minutes remaining in the second half, Buelow notched her third goal of the game, again bringing the Lady Lions within one goal of the Crimson Hawks. With 3:29 showing on the clock, Lindenwood would even the score at 8-8 on the strength of an unassisted Constance goal. With 2:02 remaining in the second half, Constance would give the Lady Lions their first lead of the afternoon, taking a feed from Buelow and finding the back of the net. Lindenwood would control play for the rest of the second half, ending the game with a 9-8 victory.
Rachel Ortell made the start in goal for the Lady Lions, making two saves en route to her fifth victory of the season. Lindenwood outshot IUP 28-11 for the game, led by Benzing's total of seven for the game. The Lady Lions also held the edge in draw controls (11-7) and ground balls (16-12).
Erin Abbott secured a team-leading five draw controls for Lindenwood, while
Molly Beckham and Constance each scooped up a team-high three ground balls.
Following the comeback victory, the Lady Lions improve their season record to 7-0. After the non-conference loss, IUP moves its season record to 2-3. Lindenwood will return home for its next game on Thursday afternoon versus RMAC opponent Colorado Mesa. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. from Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Mo.
