WARRIORS NARROWLY FALL TO MADONNA

LIVONIA, Mich. - A back-and-forth contest between the Warriors (0-9, 0-7) and Madonna Crusaders (1-13, 1-6) ended up going the Crusaders' way in the final moments, 7-4. For the first three quarters, both teams traded goals in exciting fashion, with freshman Gracie Phelps leading with two goals scored. 

The Crusaders threw the first punch in the first five minutes, scoring two goals to force a Warrior timeout. However, freshman Liliana Tasich made sure to strike back with an unassisted goal just twenty seconds later. The Warriors kept up the pressure at goal, firing shots that were saved by the Crusader's keeper. A save from Warrior keeper Kendall Cabot helped set up a clear attempt for the Warriors that resulted in a goal by midfielder Jessica Cadman to tie the game in a man-up advantage. 

The teams traded turnovers to start the second quarter, but the Warriors snatched the lead thanks to an unassisted goal by Gracie Phelps. The Crusaders answered with a goal of their own two minutes later to tie the game. The Warriors narrowly escaped a conceded goal thanks to the goalpost, and took advantage a few trips later with another goal from Phelps, assisted by Tasich. Cabot continued her great play at goal, saving two shots to help the Warriors enter halftime with the lead. 

Things didn't start well in the second half, with the Warriors committing a foul that set up a free-position goal for the Crusaders just 50 seconds into the third period. From there, the teams were locked into a defensive battle, forcing turnovers on each other and hustling for ground balls. However, the Crusaders found an opening with five minutes to go in the third, taking the lead on a transition goal. The teams were deadlocked the rest of the period, with the Crusaders holding the edge after three. 

The fourth quarter saw the home team build separation, unfortunately for the Warriors. The Crusaders took advantage of another free position attempt five minutes into the period to grow the lead. Tasich saw a chance to trim the deficit with under nine minutes remaining that was saved by the Crusaders. Shortly after, Samantha Johns found an attempt that was barely saved by Madonna. The Warriors weren't able to get another chance from there, with the Crusaders ending the game with a goal under 30 seconds.

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RCU Athletics