Anderson, Ind.-The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women's lacrosse team earned its first win in program history defeating Anderson University (Ind.) by the score of 18-9 Sunday morning at Macholtz Stadium. The Eagles improve to 1-3 on the season while the Ravens drop to 0-2.

"It was a very long weekend for us, playing three games in three days," said head coach Cassandra Berger. "But I think it was exactly what we needed at this time in the season.  We quickly learned what our strengths are on the field, as well as what our weaknesses are.  Each game we were able to make minor adjustments, which led us to the win today." 

Anderson (Ind.) got on the board first at 27:52 after Elizabeth Graham found the back of the net unassisted, but a goal from Mackenzie Chvatal at 19:48 would tie the game at 1-1. Chvatal would score again less than a minute later to give UWL its first lead of the season, but Anderson (Ind.) tied the game again at 15:39.  UWL gained the lead back going on a four goal run to lead 6-2 with 8:00 remaining in the first half.  Anderson's (Ind.) Mallory Housman would score the next two goals cutting the Eagles lead to 6-4, but back-to-back goals from Valerie Johnson extended UWL's lead to four. 

UWL led, 8-5 at halftime with four different players scoring while winning nine-of-14 draw controls and picking up eight ground balls. The Eagles went 11-for-12 on clear attempts with 15 shots.

Johnson would get the scoring started for UWL in the second half getting it past the goalie just :19 in on a free-position shot. Seconds later Lauren Fine would find Gabriella Storin open in the eight-meter for another Eagles' goal.  UWL continued to grow its lead to 15-6 after Chvatal scored her fifth of the game with 18:11 remaining.  Anderson (Ind.) was held scoreless for six minutes until Samantha Huber scored on a free-position goal.  With 8:19 remaining Mackenzie McCoy assisted Anna Davis for a goal while UWL was a man-down. Storin found Johnson for her fifth goal of the game with 8:00 left.  Anderson (Ind.) scored two more times. 

Chvatal had a game-high six goals while Johnson ended with five and a game-high 11 draw controls. Storin and Davis each recorded hat tricks while Abigail Steigauf added one goal, winning seven draw controls. Kaylee Keller picked up seven ground balls while also causing four turnovers. The Eagles went 17-for-21 on clear attempts while picking up 20 ground balls and adding 38 shots and winning 20 draw controls. 

Ellen Coggio earned the win in net playing the full 60-minutes in goal making six saves and getting one ground ball. 

Graham and Housman led Anderson (Ind.) with three goals each and Huber added two wotj six draw controls. Madison Leonard took the loss in net for the Ravens, finishing with eight saves and getting six ground balls.  The Ravens went 17-for-29 on clear attempts, picking up 20 ground balls and adding 20 shots with nine draw controls.  

UWL returns to action Friday, March, 13 hosting Trine University (Ind.) at 5 p.m.