LISLE, IL - The Benedictine University women's lacrosse team made a valiant comeback in the second half but dropped the season opener at home on Saturday afternoon.

FINAL SCORE
Northwestern (Minn.) 19, Benedictine 13

THE DETAILS
• Northwestern got off to a big start early, scoring the first six goals of the game
• Victoria House scored the first goal of the season with 19:38 remaining in the half on a pass from Teciana Garay
• Northwestern scored two more to open an 8-1 lead with 18:35 left
• Emily Vellender and Lexie Orr scored consecutive goals to draw Benedictine within 8-3, but Northwestern tallied the final three goals of the half to lead 12-4
• Vellender and Kaylee Garcia netted the first two goals of the second half in the first 10 minutes as Benedictine began to rally
• Sam Tikalsky scored twice and Madison Horan added a goal quickly as Benedictine pulled within 14-9
• House scored in the final minute to again bring Benedictine within five tallies, but the team pulled no closer

STAT LEADERS
• Northwestern held a 39-24 advantage in shots with 32 on goal
• Benedictine picked up 23 groundballs and converted on 18 clears
• Orr scored three goals with House, Vellender, Garcia and Tikalsky all scored two goals
• Horan finished with a goal and three assists with four groundballs and five draw controls
• Margaret Pinkston recorded 13 saves and picked up nine groundballs

UP NEXT
Benedictine (0-1) hosts Beloit College next Saturday