INDIANAPOLIS - The 11th-ranked University of Indianapolis Greyhounds women's lacrosse team took home the win in their first GLIAC game of the season on Saturday, defeating the visiting No. 21 McKendree Bearcats, 18-9.
Lauryn Hardoy had a great day, totaling nine points after tying a program-best five assists, while adding four scores.
The Hounds scored the first three goals in two minutes, but conceded two to watch their lead shrink to one. The Hounds responded strongly, however, reeling off seven unanswered goals and closing the first half on an 8-1 run to take an 11-3 lead to the break. The second half played out more evenly, but the Hounds never let the Bearcats get closer than six and scored the last three goals of the game to seal an 18-9 win.
Head coach
James Delaney knows how balanced this UIndy offense is. "The funny thing about our offense is that we have five or six girls that could go off on any given day and they just take turns doing so," Delany said."
"Grace struggled a little bit shooting the last couple games, but she's such a hard worker that it's nice to see it pay off with a really strong game today."
"I can't say enough about Lauryn. She's such a talented player, a cool, calm, and collected player, and she's only going to get better. She has the potential be one of the best players in all of Division II, so it's really exciting to see her grow as a freshman and contribute to the offense."
The Hounds outshot the Bearcats 34-21, putting 16 of them on frame. McKendree picked up more ground balls than the Greyhounds, 21-16, but the Hounds won 21 of 29 draw controls.
Grace Gunneson led the Hounds with five goals. Hardoy scored four,
Delaney Davidson tallied three and
Cara Brown,
Abigail Lagos and
Anna Rulapaugh each scored two. Hardoy dished out five assists, and Brown caused three turnovers while picking up three ground balls.
"It's just another chapter for the story we're writing this year," the head man said. "It's an in-region win, over a ranked opponent, and this is the third conference champion we've taken down this year and our second ranked win for such a young group that helps build a lot of confidence."
The No. 11 Hounds will host GLIAC opponent Davenport on Sunday, March 25th at noon at Key Stadium.
