WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University women's lacrosse team's postseason run came to an end on Saturday afternoon, as the Pioneers fell 9–6 to Carthage in the CCIW Tournament Championship at Schneider Stadium.
Carthage opened the game with a strong first quarter, scoring five goals to build an early advantage. Carroll responded with its first goal midway through the period when Samantha Hurd found the back of the net off an assist from Sierra Skack, but the Firebirds carried a 5–1 lead into the second.
The Pioneers found their rhythm offensively in the second quarter, outscoring Carthage 3–1 to close the gap. Goals from Skack and Elizabeth Wang, along with another from Wang late in the half, helped Carroll cut the deficit to 6–4 at the break.
Momentum continued into the third quarter as Carroll tightened the game further. Elizabeth Mueller converted on a man-up opportunity before Rebecca Hallman scored unassisted late in the period, bringing the Pioneers within one at 7–6 heading into the fourth.
Carthage regained control in the final quarter, scoring twice to seal the championship victory. Carroll was unable to capitalize on several late chances as the Firebirds' defense held firm down the stretch.
Wang led the Pioneers offensively with two goals, while Skack, Mueller, Hallman, and Hurd each added one. Paige Helms finished with three assists to pace Carroll's ball movement, while Skack and Lauren Fricke each recorded assists as well.
Defensively, Carroll won the draw control battle 10–7 and held a 19–12 advantage in ground balls. Goalkeeper Devon Duym made five saves in the championship contest.
Despite the loss, Carroll capped another strong season after winning the regular season conference title for the second year in a row, as well as reaching the conference championship game and competing for a CCIW title in front of a home crowd.
