DENVER, Colo – The Regis University Women's Lacrosse Team, ranked #19 in the most recent IWLCA Top 25 Coaches Poll, hosted University of Colorado, Colorado Springs on Senior Day. The Rangers fell to the Mountain Lions 12-11, sharing the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Regular Season Title, moving RU to 12-5 (8-2 RMAC), while UCCS improves to 10-5 (9-2 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mountain Lions came out strong, jumping to an early 2–0 lead. Maggie Schipfer connected with Aubrey Benton to put the Rangers on the board for their first goal of the game. Moments later, Abby Mays forced a turnover that led to another Benton goal, evening the score at 2–2. Evie Tanella then controlled the draw and converted it into a go-ahead goal for Regis. The two teams battled evenly the rest of the quarter, heading into the second tied at 3–3.
Regis opened the next quarter with three quick shots before Benton struck again, this time off an assist from Lexie Springman. Springman followed with a goal of her own to give the Rangers a 5–3 advantage with ten minutes remaining. The Mountain Lions answered after securing a draw control, but Brigit Goetsch came up with a key save that sparked a transition opportunity, leading to a goal from Kyla Bieker to make it 6–4. Bieker continued to make an impact, assisting Benton on another score before adding one herself off a feed from Tanella. Goetsch capped off the half with another save, sending the Rangers into the break with a commanding 8–4 lead.
Regis opened the third quarter with momentum, as Krista Munsinger scooped up a ground ball that led to a goal from Rome Villani. UCCS answered with a goal of their own to cut the deficit to 9–5, but Villani responded with back-to-back scores, including one off an assist from Maggie Schipfer, extending the Rangers' lead. The Mountain Lions refused to go away, netting two straight goals late in the quarter to close the gap. Despite the push, Regis held a 10–8 advantage heading into the final frame.
UCCS struck first in the fourth quarter, but Aubrey Benton answered for the Rangers to keep pace. The Mountain Lions continued to battle, scoring back-to-back goals to tie the game at 11–11 with nine minutes remaining. UCCS then capitalized on a late opportunity, taking a 12–11 lead with just five minutes to play. In the final minute, Rome Villani forced a crucial turnover to give Regis one last chance, but the Rangers were unable to convert, ultimately falling 12–11.
GAME NOTES
Benton totaled five goals with eight shots on goal.
Bieker and Villani each scored two goals.
Schipfer had two assists.
UCCS totaled 21 turnovers while RU had 14.
The Mountain Lions controlled the draw 17-8.
UP NEXT
The Rangers will host the RMAC Tournament set for the semifinal round starting Thursday, April 23rd, time to be determined.
