FRANCISCAN CLAIMS FIRST WOMEN'S LACROSSE SHOWCASE TITLE BY DEFEATING HILBERT

The 2017 inaugural AMCC Showcase title game was nothing short of dramatic as the Franciscan University women's lacrosse team staved off a feisty Hilbert College squad for an exciting 17-16 win, Sunday afternoon.

Leading 17-15 with just over three minutes to play, it was up to the tenacious Franciscan defense to keep the game close. Led by senior captains Christine Rice and Catherine Cahill, the Lady Baron defense stayed tight with the Hawk attack and made them really work for every shot. Sophomore GK Brittany Bain stuff another point blank shot that ricocheted back in the field and Emily Gawlak picked up the ground ball for Hilbert. Rice caused her fourth turnover of the game and picked up the ground ball to start the Franciscan clear with 1:30 to play. The clear failed and the Hawks were back on the attack. After two shots missed the goal, one off the post and another high, Gawlak found the back of the net with 27 left on the clock to get the Hawks to within one, 17-16.

Hilbert called a timeout following Gawlak's goal to set up the offense should the Hawks win the draw. The Hawks did win the draw but the Lady Baron defense kept the Hawks from getting their offense set and did not allow a shot in the final 27 seconds for the thrilling 17-16 victory.

Bain had a big game in goal, stopping 13 shots while Rice led the team with five ground balls and four caused turnovers. Sophomore defender Elizabeth Jordan had four caused turnovers and four ground balls.

Sophomore midfielder Elizabeth McEntee won six draws for Franciscan while leading the team with five goals and two assists. Sophomore midfielder Elizabeth Dawyot chipped in five goals and an assist while sophomore attack Carly McDonald had four goals and an assist. Seniors Maryanna Leonard and Anne Foster, and junior Mary Krolicki each had a goal while Krolicki handed out two assists.  

With the victory, Franciscan was crowned the 2017 AMCC Women's Lacrosse Showcase champions as the conference sponsored the showcase tournament for the first time ever this year.