CHICAGO, Ill. - The Elmhurst University women's lacrosse team picked up a 12-10 victory over Illinois Tech Saturday afternoon in the opening game of the 2024 season for the Bluejays.

Elmhurst set a multitude of marks, with their season-opening win being the first since the 2018 season and their first win. The Bluejays' 12 goals also marked the highest offensive output since the team put up 12 goals in April of 2022. 

The Bluejays led for the entirety of Saturday's game, leading 7-4 at the half and maintaining a 10-5 lead into the fourth quarter. Despite being outscored in the fourth, 5-2, the Bluejays were able to hang on and secure the victory, their first since the 2022 season.

Gracie Eastman led the Bluejays offensively, scoring a career-high five goals, while Kendall Schieppe followed closely behind with four goals. Andrea Murtland tallied a pair of scores, while Paige Palmero rounded out the scoring with a goal.

Eastman also won six draw controls on the day, while Murtland, Hannah Jacob, and Jacq Vanoni each tallied a pair of ground balls. Vanoni earned the win in goal for Elmhurst, making 15 saves on the day.

Illinois Tech (1-1) made a late comeback effort with five goals in the final quarter, but the comeback was too little too late for the hosts. Kelly Hitchcock tallied six goals on the day, while Antonia Martinez scored three goals and goalkeeper Caitlin Davitt tallied 12 saves in the loss.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays are set for their home opener at Langhorst Field next Wednesday, Mar. 6, hosting Lake Forest at 6:00 p.m.

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