The Benedictine (Kan.) Ravens Are Headed Back to The Title Game After Defeating Keiser (Fla.) in Semifinal Action
DECATUR, Ala. – [Watch On-Demand] Benedictine (Kan.) remained unbeaten and used a strong second half to defeat Keiser (Fla.), 16-9, Wednesday afternoon at the Jack Allen Complex in Decatur, Alabama, punching a ticket back to the NAIA Women’s Lacrosse National Championship Game on Friday, May 15 at 5 p.m. CT.
Keiser struck first when Milena Isturiz scored off an assist from Emily McCall just 1:01 into the game, but Benedictine answered quickly and took a 3-2 lead after the opening quarter behind goals from Lorelei Siegel, Kiera Russell, and Kaylen Moore.
The Seahawks briefly took control in the second quarter. Keiser tied the game at 3-3 on an unassisted goal from Kate Griffin before building a 6-4 advantage with goals from MacKenzie Gibaud on a free-position attempt, Mikayla Madden off an Emily Ferris assist, and Tess Geiger during a man-up opportunity. The Ravens responded with three goals over the final 2:49 of the half, capped by Siegel’s unassisted goal with 15 seconds remaining, to carry a 7-6 lead into halftime.
Benedictine created separation after the break, outscoring Keiser 4-1 in the third quarter. Siegel scored twice in the period, while Alexa Hildenbrand added another goal as the Ravens extended the lead to 11-7 entering the fourth quarter. Benedictine continued to control possession in the final period and stretched the margin to as many as eight goals while outscoring Keiser 5-2 in the quarter to secure the 16-9 victory.
Key Performers
Benedictine (17-0)
- Kaylen Moore: 5 goals, 7 draw controls, and 5 caused turnovers.
- Lorelei Siegel: 4 goals and 3 assists.
- Alexa Hildenbrand: 3 goals and 3 assists.
- Izzie Venarsky: 2 goals and 1 assist.
Keiser (16-3)
- Kate Griffin: 2 goals.
- Tess Geiger: 2 goals.
- MacKenzie Gibaud: 2 goals, including two free-position scores.
- Milena Isturiz: 1 goal.
- Mikayla Madden: 1 goal.
- Emily McCall: 1 goal and 1 assist.
By the Numbers
- Shots: Benedictine 38, Keiser 21.
- Shots on goal: Benedictine 31, Keiser 18.
- Draw controls: Benedictine 18, Keiser 9.
- Ground balls: Benedictine 19, Keiser 11.
Keiser goalkeeper Raelyn Boutwell recorded 15 saves while facing 31 shots on goal. Benedictine goalkeeper Molly Owen finished with nine saves.
The Ravens will look to complete the mission on back-to-back titles on Friday, May 15, against the winner between SCAD Savannah (Ga.) and Cumberlands (Ky.) at 5 p.m. CT.
