LTU finishes season as Women's Lacrosse National Runner-Ups

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - (NAIA Release) - Top-seeded Lawrence Tech suffered its first defeat of the season in the championship game of the 2022 NAIA Women's Lacrosse National Championship, falling to No. 6 Benedictine (Kan.) 9-8. Natalie Wechter connected with Clare Ryan at 4:08 remaining in the fourth quarter for the game-winner to give the Ravens the championship and drop LTU to 17-1 to end the season.

Down by two, LTU opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back goals, including one from Abby Barnwold at the 8:44 mark to tie the game at 8-8. Minutes later, Stalletti stopped a free position shot and on the ensuing transition Wechter pushed the ball up to Ryan for a man-down goal to put Benedictine in front 9-8 with 4:08 remaining. The Blue Devils looked for the equalizer down the stretch, however, the Ravens forced three turnovers and ran out the clock to capture their first women's lacrosse championship.

Barnewold led the way for Lawrence Tech with three caused turnovers, four ground balls, and three draw controls, while Sydney Robinson chipped in five points. Hannah Huebner and Gabi Mitchell each added a pair of goals in the game. Anabella Acluche finished with five saves and five ground balls. Abbey Smentowski, Bella Burke, Jaisanna Jarvis, and Acluche were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Gianna Stalletti made 14 saves in the win for Benedictine, while Erica Odell netted a game-high four goals and six caused turnovers. Natalie Wechter dished out four assists as Margaux Gelbach scooped four draw controls and added a pair of goals. Aidan McEnerney chipped in four ground balls.

NAIA All-Tournament Team:

Abbey Smentowski, A – Lawrence Tech
Bella Burke, M – Lawrence Tech
Jaisanna Jarvis, D – Lawrence Tech
Annabella Acluche, G – Lawrence Tech