Redemption and history. The Colorado Mesa University women’s lacrosse team beat Lindenwood University for the first time in program history in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It also marks the first NCAA Tournament win for CMU and the first time in history a team west of the continental divide won an NCAA Div. II Tournament game. Led by sophomore attacker Kenzie Blackwell who had three goals and one assist, and senior midfielder Olivia Hayden with three goals, the Mavericks won 13-8.
In a flip from the RMAC semifinal game where the Lions upended the Mavericks 9-20. CMU stayed under control and they didn’t shy away from the spotlight.
The Lions got out to a quick start in the game scoring two goals just four minutes into the game. Quickly, the Mavericks answered, going on a 6-2, however, with under five minutes left in the half, LWU scored two more goals to tie the game at six going into half. Sophomore attacker Marissa Leonardi and Blackwell both had two goals in the half to lead CMU.
The second half mentality was night and day from the semi’s of the RMAC Tourney. The Mavericks controlled the pace and ground balls in this half, making it extremely tough for LWU to try to get back in the game. Hayden scored her first of three goals in the half to get the Mavericks on the board first, and she scored her second six minutes later. The Lions scored their first goal of the half with 18:55 left. This half was very hard fought, but the last 15 minutes of the half intensified beyond measure.
Junior attacker Mary Koch and Blackwell both scored early in the last 15 minutes of the half, to give the Mavericks a 10-7 lead. Fortunately for the Mavericks, these goals gave the rest of the team energy, and they all fed off that, outscoring the Lions 3-2 in the last 10 minutes of the game. The Mavericks drew contributions from all over the field today with six different goal scorers, and one of their most complete performances of the year.
Leonardi was third in scoring for CMU with two goals and one assist, followed by Koch and sophomore midfielder Kiley Barber who both had two goals in the game.
Sophomore goaltender Lula Mitchell had 11 saves in the game to help lead the Mavericks to the win.
Before Friday, CMU was 0-2 against Lindenwood on the season and were 0-14 against the Lions dating back to 2011. The Mavericks continue to improve after their most recent loss and each win is another step deeper into program history. CMU will play against RMAC Tournament Champions Regis University on May 12 in the second round.
