The No. 2 seed Falcon women's lacrosse team is set to host No. 3 UW-La Crosse in the WIAC Tournament Semifinals on Friday, May 1. Opening draw is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Ramer Field, with a trip to the WIAC Championship and automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs on the line.
The Falcons enter postseason play sitting at 14-3 overall and 7-1 in conference action, including a 7-1 mark at home this season with their only loss against Colorado College in overtime. UW-La Crosse advances after defeating No. 6 Hamline in the opening round, setting up a Bird Bowl semifinal rematch between the two programs.
UW-RVIER FALLS (14-3, 7-1 WIAC) VS UW-LA CROSSE (13-4, 6-2 WIAC)
Date: Friday, May 1
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Site: River Falls, Wis. // Ramer Field
WIAC PAY-PER-VIEW COVERAGE
- The WIAC announced a new pay-per-view model for its 2025-26 championships and tournaments, including the women's lacrosse postseason. Fans can purchase single-game passes to stream live tournament broadcasts through the conference's streaming platform. For pricing details and viewing access, visit the official WIAC release: WIAC Pay-Per-View Information.
EARILER THIS SEASON
River Falls walked away with a 17-10 win over the Eagles on April 1, using a 7-1 second quarter run to flip momentum after an early first quarter deficit.
Samantha Hayek and
Avery Watzke each finished with four goals apiece with
Murphi Specht and
Elizabeth Clough both adding in hat tricks throughout the evening. Defensively, the Falcons held UW-La Crosse to just one goal across the second and third quarters combined while forcing 24 turnovers.
THE SERIES
River Falls holds an 8-3 advantage in the all-time series against UW-La Crosse since 2021. The Eagles have taken the last three out of four matches up until this season's UWRF 17-10 victory. UWRF sits at 4-2 all-time when playing on Ramer Field against the Eagles.
FALCON NOTES
- UW-River Falls enters the semifinal as one of the WIAC's most complete teams, averaging 17.35 goals per game while allowing just 7.18, backed by a +173-goal differential on the season.
- The Falcons have eclipsed 20+ goals in seven different games throughout this season and feature a deep offensive group with six players scoring 20 or more goals.
- Samantha Hayek leads the charge with a total of 104 points (65 goals, 39 assists), while Elizabeth Clough (52 goals) and Avery Watzke (44 goals) have continued to provide consistent scoring threats. Natasha Berthiaume, Macy Patton and Murphi Specht give River Falls versatility across the attack line as well.
- Possession has been key all season as the Falcons hold advantages in ground balls (468), draw controls (243), and caused turnovers (237).
- Anna Plath and Morgan Leick have been instrumental in the draw, helping River Falls control possession and tempo, while the team's .832 clear percentage highlights their ability to transition efficiently and often.
- In goal, Annelise Rommeck has anchored the defense all season long with 13 wins and 80 saves across the season.
