MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University women's lacrosse team fell to Illinois Tech 10-2 in a nonconference matchup at Edor Nelson Field on Friday. The Auggies managed to score twice in the second quarter but were unable to overcome Illinois Tech's consistent offensive pressure.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Illinois Tech 10, Augsburg 2
LOCATION: Edor Nelson Field, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 0-4 overall, Illinois Tech 2-5 overall

GAME RECAP
The match commenced with Illinois Tech seizing the early momentum. Antonia Martinez opened the scoring for Illinois Tech at 11:08 with a goal assisted by Eliza Baron. Despite a strong defensive effort from Augsburg's Nicole Schuster, who recorded 11 saves and a ground ball in the contest, Illinois Tech extended its lead with a goal by Elise Wierzchon at 8:20, assisted by Ava Roll. Augsburg struggled to capitalize on its opportunities, including a free position attempt by Isabella Kohout that was saved by Illinois Tech's goalkeeper, Samantha Gargiulo. The Auggies' defense, however, forced several turnovers, highlighted by Emma Ryan's four ground ball pickups and two caused turnovers, and Annie Fest's four caused turnovers and two ground balls. 

Augsburg initiated the second quarter with a successful clear attempt, leading to Breya Sawyer scoring a goal assisted by Kohout at 13:59. Sawyer added a ground ball, draw control, and a caused turnover in the game. Shortly after, Kohout furthered Augsburg's efforts with an unassisted goal at 11:04, adding to her performance with two ground balls and a caused turnover. Despite these efforts, Illinois Tech responded with a pair of goals from Martinez and Jenny Park, maintaining a narrow lead, with a score of 4–2 in favor of Illinois Tech.

The third quarter highlighted Augsburg's defensive efforts, with Fabiola Guerra-Guardado playing a crucial role in causing two turnovers and picking up two ground balls. Despite these efforts, Augsburg struggled offensively, with shots by Kohout and Leila Klym being saved or blocked, and several turnovers occurring throughout the quarter. Klym contributed significantly with four draw controls, two ground balls, and two caused turnovers. Illinois Tech capitalized on their opportunities, scoring twice. Martinez netted both goals, with one assisted by Roll, extending Illinois Tech's lead. 

Augsburg faced a challenging fourth quarter as Illinois Tech capitalized on early opportunities. Illinois Tech's Roll and Martinez scored successive goals, extending the visitor's lead. Despite Schuster's efforts in goal, Augsburg struggled to maintain possession, with frequent turnovers disrupting their momentum. Illinois Tech continued to pressure, with Baron and Victoria Akirtava adding to the tally, while Augsburg's attempts, including a shot by Ryan, were thwarted by the opposing defense. Ryan's performance included four ground balls and two caused turnovers. Klym's draw controls and ground ball recoveries were pivotal for the Auggies, but they could not convert these into goals.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Isabella Kohout: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 ground balls
• Breya Sawyer: 1 goal, 1 ground ball, 1 draw control, 1 caused turnover
• Nicole Schuster: 11 saves

ILLINOIS TECH PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Antonia Martinez: 5 goals, 3 ground balls, 5 draw controls, 3 caused turnovers
• Eliza Baron: 1 goal, 2 assists, 4 ground balls, 2 caused turnovers
• Ava Roll: 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 ground balls, 3 draw controls, 4 caused turnovers
• Samantha Gargiulo: 6 saves, 2 ground balls

UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Auggies will face the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Friday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at River Falls, Wis., opening Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.