Quincy, Ill. – The Quincy University women's lacrosse team battled on Wednesday afternoon (March 5) with a game against Northern Michigan University. After three minutes of overtime, the Hawks reigned victorious over the Wildcats with a 14-13 score.
The first quarter set the tone for a competitive match-up, ending in a 3-3 tie. Anni Moran led the charge with two unassisted goals, while Mikenna Ham capitalized on a fast break, earning a free-position goal. Emily Leal dominated the draw, securing all three of the Hawks' controls in the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Hawks fought to keep pace with the Wildcats, responding quickly after each opposing goal. A milestone moment came when Aurora Jason scored off an assist from Amelia Ham, officially taking over the program's career assist record. Leal and Alaina Wilkinson added another goal, capitalizing on a feed from the elbow to tie the game at 5-5. Moran struck again to maintain the tie after a Wildcat goal, but Northern Michigan pulled ahead with two more scores. At the halftime buzzer, the Hawks created space for Amelia Ham, bringing the score to 8-7 in favor of the Wildcats.
The Hawks came out strong in the third quarter. Wilkinson opened scoring with a goal off a roll through the 8-meter arc, followed by another Ham-Moran connection as Moran found the back of the net. Though the Wildcats tied it up, Leal responded with a free-position goal, kicking off a Hawks scoring surge. Jason and Wilkinson capitalized on cuts and feeds from the lower crease, while Mikenna Ham fought for a ground ball in midfield before sprinting 70 yards to score. The Hawks ended the quarter with a two-goal lead, aided by Leal's four draw controls.
Defense became the focal point in the fourth quarter. Amelia Ham scored the Hawks' only goal of the period off a free position, but Northern Michigan responded with a relentless three-goal run. The Wildcats' final goal, coming in the last minute on a man-up opportunity, tied the game at 13-13. Moran secured the Hawks' lone draw control in the quarter. The teams had a ten-minute break before battling in overtime.
Quincy got an early shot off, but Wildcat goalkeeper made a crucial save, giving Northern Michigan an opportunity with two minutes remaining. Madison Whiting-Wagner then responded with a critical save of her own, initiating a clear that put the ball in Amelia Ham's hands. She patiently set up the play before finding Moran cutting into the 8-meter arc. Moran buried the game-winning goal, securing the Hawks' first-ever victory over the Wildcats.
Moran finished with five goals, while the Ham twins each contributed two, with Amelia also recording three assists. Leal tallied two goals and dominated the draw with 13 controls. Whiting-Wagner was a force in goal, recording 12 saves.
The Hawks return to action next Tuesday, March 11th, against the 2024 regular-season GLVC champions, Maryville University. The game will take place at the Maryville University Athletics Complex at 12:00 p.m.
