RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- The Augsburg University women's lacrosse team fell to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a decisive 26–0 loss in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game on Friday. Despite the outcome, the Auggies' defense managed to secure 11 ground balls throughout the game.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin-River Falls 26, Augsburg 0
LOCATION: Ramer Field, River Falls, Wis.
RECORDS: Augsburg 0-5 overall (0-1 WIAC), UW-RIver Falls 8-2 overall (2-0 WIAC)

GAME RECAP
The first quarter began with Augsburg facing a challenging start as UW-River Falls took control early. Nicole Schuster, starting as goalie for the Auggies, made a key save at the 11:55 mark against a shot by Murphi Specht, but the team struggled to maintain possession. Despite efforts from players like Leila Klym, who had four draw controls and two ground balls, Augsburg faced turnovers and penalties, limiting its ability to mount an offensive push. UW-River Falls capitalized on these opportunities, concluding the quarter with a 13–0 lead.

Augsburg struggled to regain momentum in the second quarter against the Falcons. Despite several ground ball pickups by Wendy Bravo, Astrid Clem, Leila Klym, and Dulce Sanchez, Augsburg was unable to capitalize on these opportunities due to turnovers and a failed clear attempt. UW-River Falls increased its lead significantly with goals from Alyssa Mathes, Kadence Jacobson, Averie McGill, and Mia Hunter.

Augsburg faced challenges in the third quarter as it struggled to maintain possession and execute successful clears against UW-River Falls. Wendy Bravo made significant defensive contributions with multiple ground ball pickups and crucial saves, but Augsburg was unable to capitalize on these efforts offensively. The Falcons took advantage of free position opportunities, scoring four goals in the quarter, which contributed to a 22–0 lead.

Augsburg's fourth quarter began with Emma Ryan securing a draw control, setting a hopeful tone. However, the team faced challenges as turnovers and fouls limited its offensive opportunities. Despite efforts to regain possession, including contributions from Emma Ryan with two draw controls and a ground ball, Augsburg struggled to break through UW-River Falls' defense, experiencing multiple failed clear attempts. UW-River Falls capitalized on free position opportunities, scoring twice early in the quarter, and added two more goals, extending its lead. Augsburg's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Wendy Bravo, made eight saves with six ground balls, but it was unable to shift the momentum.

UP NEXT
In their next game, the Auggies will travel to face Hamline University in a WIAC game on Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in St. Paul, Minn.