RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The UW-River Falls women's lacrosse team ended its 2023 season on a high note, defeating regionally-ranked Aurora University 16-15 Friday evening.
The Falcons wrapped up 2023 with a 12-5 overall record on a seven-game winning streak, and went undefeated at home with an 8-0 record at Ramer Field.
On Senior Night,
Josie Johnson scored the game-winner, her team-leading fifth of the game, with 1:23 left in the second overtime period to give UWRF the victory. Along with Johnson,
Emily Herdine,
Arianna Jakubczak, and
Kyla Palo were recognized pregame for the contributions to UWRF Lacrosse.
After an even 3-3 score after the first 15 minutes, the Falcons outscored the Spartans 6-5 in the second frame, including a
Bailey O'Donovan goal with under a minute remaining to give UWRF a 9-8 lead at the half.
It was more of the same in the second half as the Falcons and Spartans went back and forth. Trailing 15-14 late in the game, UWRF's
Grace Hannula took advantage after a Spartan yellow card gave the Falcons a man-up opportunity, scoring with 37 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
Neither team scored in the first overtime before Johnson's heroics gave the Falcons the win.
UWRF outshot Aurora 37-22 and were successful on 15-of-16 clear attempts. Draw controls were even at 18-18.
Behind Johnson's five goals, Herdine added three, and two each from O'Donovan, Hannula, and Palo.
Abby Hammond made three saves to pick up the win in net, improving her record to 6-1 on the season.
