Lawrence Tech Advances to Title Game at NAIA WLAX Nationals

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - (NAIA Release) - Lawrence Tech is making a return trip to the title game after winning its semifinal match in the 2023 NAIA Women's Lacrosse National Championship. The second-seeded Blue Devils defeated sixth-seeded Life (Ga.) 11-4 at Blue Devil Stadium. LTU now faces SCAD Savannah (Ga.) for the national crown after the No. 5-seeded Bees upset top-seeded Keiser (Fla.), 20-6.

The two teams get to rest for a day before meeting up in the championship game on Saturday, May 6 at 5 p.m.

Lawerence Tech struck first as the Blue Devils won the opening draw contrl and Bella Burke connected with Hannah Huebner for the contest's first goal. LTU added two more goals for a 3-0 first-quarter lead.

Life responsed with its first goal four minutes into the second period when Annaliese Froese set up Annslee Warchol. LTU had an answer though with three straight goals fueled by a pair from Gabi Mitchell for a 6-1 lead. Life added one more goal to close out the half.

After trading goals in the opening minutes of the third, the score remained 7-3 through the rest of the period as neither team gained an offensive advantage. A minute into the final quarter and the Running Eagles pulled to within three after a goal Lexi Santiago. LTU responded with four straight goals for the win. 

Maria Arvizu tallied two points, five draw controls, and three ground balls for the Running Eagles. Leanne Windon chipped in three caused turnovers and four ground balls, while Annslee Warchol finished with a goal and an assist. Ashley Hammell made seven saves between the pipes. Life ends the season at 10-6

The defense took center field for LTU as Jocelyn Vander Zwaag recorded an NAIA Tournament record five caused turnovers and scooped up seven ground balls, while teammate Anabelle Acluche made 16 saves in the win. Bella Burke scooped six draw controls to go along with two caused turnovers and a pair of assists. Alaina Smythe netted a team-high four goals, while Gabbi Mitchell and Hannah Huebner each recorded hat tricks. The Blue Devils improve to 16-1.