DENVER, Colo – The Regis University Women's Lacrosse Team, ranked #19 in the most recent IWLCA Top 25 Coaches Poll, hosted Colorado Mesa University in a RMAC matchup on Sunday afternoon. The Rangers defeated the Mavericks 14-8, improving RU to 12-4 (8-1 RMAC), while CMU drops to 4-11 (3-5 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Regis came out aggressive, firing off four early shots before Aubrey Benton broke through with the game's first goal. Colorado Mesa Mavericks responded quickly, scoring three straight to take a 3-1 lead. Benton helped shift the momentum by controlling the draw, and Lexie Springman capitalized on a free-position opportunity to cut into the deficit. A caused turnover by Krista Munsinger led to a transition chance, with Rome Villani finding Eva Searle to even the score at 3-3. Brigit Goetsch came up with a key save late in the quarter to keep things tied heading into the second.
The Rangers carried that energy into the second quarter, as Stella Greffre scooped up a ground ball that helped spark a go-ahead goal from Benton, assisted by Kyla Bieker. Springman followed with a coast-to-coast effort to extend the lead to 5-3. Goetsch continued to anchor the defense with another big save, and moments later Abby Mays pushed the ball upfield, setting up Benton for another finish off a Bieker assist. Colorado Mesa answered with a late goal to make it 6-4, but Benton struck again, finishing a tough shot while fading to her right. Just 30 seconds later, after a draw control from Munsinger, Benton connected with Evie Tanella for a one-on-one goal. The Mavericks added one more, but Maggie Schipfer closed the half with a goal to give Regis a 9-5 advantage at the break.
Out of halftime, Colorado Mesa scored first, but Schipfer answered with a goal off a Tanella assist. Tanella then added one of her own just a minute later, finishing a setup from Greffre to stretch the lead to 11-6. After collecting a ground ball, Tanella helped create another scoring opportunity, with Schipfer finishing off a pass from Bieker. The Mavericks managed to respond, but Bieker and Schipfer connected again for another goal, giving Regis a commanding 13-7 lead heading into the final quarter.
Both defenses held strong through the opening seven minutes of the fourth before Greffre found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Colorado Mesa added a late score with just under three minutes remaining, but the Rangers remained in control and closed out a 14-8 victory.
With their ninth straight win, the Rangers have secured at least a share of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular season championship. However, the top seed in the conference tournament has not yet been officially clinched.
GAME NOTES
Benton had five goals, Schipfer followed with three.
Tanella and Springman each scored two goals.
Bieker dished out four assists.
Goestch recorded 15 saves.
Rangers had 37 shots while the Mavericks had 21.
UP NEXT
The Rangers will host UCCS on Saturday, April 18th, at 12 pm for their final Regular Season matchup, also honoring our Seniors.
