Aurora University Athletics

The Aurora University women's lacrosse team battled back and forth with MSOE before delivering a clutch finish, as Nicolina Smith scored the game-winning goal with 58 seconds remaining to lift the Spartans to a 9-8 victory and secure the NACC Tournament Championship title on Saturday afternoon at Spartan Athletic Park.

FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 9, Milwaukee School of Engineering 
RECORDS: Aurora University 12-7 overall 
LOCATION: Spartan Athletic Park - Montgomery, Illinois


- MSOE struck first with two quick goals, but Aurora answered with a four goal run.
- Julie Sass got the Spartans on the board off an assist from Amelia Bell before Nicolina Smith tied the game on a free-position goal. Ava Courtney followed with back-to-back unassisted goals to give Aurora a 4-2 lead after the opening quarter.
- In the second quarter, MSOE cut into the deficit early, but Aurora responded behind McKenzie Wilson, who scored twice, once off a feed from Bell and another unassisted to extend the lead to 6-3. MSOE answered late in the quarter with a three goal stretch to make it a one-goal game, 6-5, heading into halftime.
- The third quarter continued the back-and-forth pace. MSOE tied the game at 6-6 before Amelia Bell found the back of the net to put Aurora back in front. MSOE answered again, and the teams entered the fourth quarter deadlocked at 7-7.
- MSOE carried momentum into the fourth, taking an 8-7 lead early in the period. Aurora remained composed and responded midway through the quarter when Nicolina Smith scored off an assist from Bell to tie the game at 8-8.
- The Spartans defense came up with key stops in the closing minutes, forcing turnovers and limiting MSOE's chances while maintaining possession. Aurora earned a late free-position opportunity, and with just 58 seconds remaining, Smith converted for her third goal of the game and the game-winner.
- Smith led the Spartans with three goals, including two in the second half and the decisive score. Ava Courtney added two goals in the first quarter to spark the early comeback, while McKenzie Wilson contributed two second-quarter goals.
- Amelia Bell played a crucial role in the offense, finishing with one goal and three assists, factoring into four of Aurora's nine goals. Julie Sass also added a goal in the opening quarter to start the scoring run.
- Defensively, Aurora controlled key possessions with a 39-36 edge in ground balls and a slight 10-9 advantage in draw controls. The Spartans also forced 29 MSOE turnovers and capitalized on timely clears (15-of-18).
- Goalkeeper Meghan Ginty played the full 60 minutes, recording six saves, including a key stop in the final seconds to preserve the one-goal victory.


Points: Amelia Bell 
Goals: Nicolina Smith (3)
Assists: Amelia Bell (3)
Ground balls: Sarah Brown (7)
Caused Turnovers: Sarah Brown and Alle Pope (4)
Saves: Meghan Ginty (6)
 

Next action for the Spartan women's lacrosse team comes on Monday, May 4 when the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Selection Show unveils the tournament field on ncaa.com.