Quincy, Ill. - The Quincy University women's lacrosse team opened up conference play at QU Stadium Friday (March 29). Despite dropping their first game against the Griffons of Missouri Western State University in mid-February, the Hawks came out on top, winning 12-8. 

The first quarter of play saw the most even distribution of play, depicted by the 3-3 score after fifteen minutes. Freshman Anni Moran struck first for the Hawks, followed shortly with an equalizer from the Griffons. Quincy took over again off a free position shot from Emily Leal and tied the match in the final seconds of the quarter on Alaina Wilkinson's first goal of the night. The Hawks defense attempted to get some action on net with both Kara Wilhelm and Elise Bruggeman making long runs into the attacking third.

The second quarter was all Wilkinson with a sprinkling of Danielle Robinson. Wilkinson scored four goals for the Hawks, split by a Robinson rocket off a Patricia Chavira assist. Wilkinson drew two fouls late in the quarter to score two free position goals, including one woman-down goal. 

The Hawks came out of the locker room for the second half on a sour note, sending two to the penalty box off the initial draw control. The Hawks found momentum off the Ham twins, Mikenna causing a turnover at midfield and tossing to Amelia for the ninth goal of the game. Robinson took advantage of a woman-up opportunity and scored shortly after. The Griffons scored one late in the third quarter with fire. Energy earned them another two shots on goal, both saved by Kelly McClure, one as the buzzer rang through QU Stadium. 

The Griffons started the final quarter with another chop at the substantial lead from the Hawks. Robinson added one in response and Chavira hammered the nail in the coffin with goal number thirteen for the season. 

Senior Sami Day led the defense with five ground balls and three caused turnovers Friday evening. Mikenna Ham added some spark to the midfield, fighting for each draw control and securing five for the Hawks and causing two turnovers. The reigning GLVC Defensive Player of the Week, McClure, had another standout game with 13 quality saves and three ground balls. 

The Hawks travel to Lebanon, Illinois to face the Bearcats of McKendree University on April 5th.