Chippewa Valley Times

RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's lacrosse team was defeated by Colorado College with a score of 22-8 in the semifinals of the first Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Tournament on Friday at Ramer Field. The Tigers, who are the top seed and winners of the WIAC regular-season title, established an 11-goal lead in the first half and maintained their advantage to proceed to the championship game. The Blugolds will compete for third place in the inaugural WIAC Tournament on Saturday evening.

Jess Stiller from Evergreen, Colorado scored early in the first quarter, equalizing at 1-1, but Colorado College responded with eight consecutive goals. This run extended their lead to 9-1 early in the second quarter. Alexie Romanelli from Naperville, Illinois and Stiller scored again to make it 10-3, but Colorado College added four more goals before halftime, leading 14-3.

Raegan Valois from Shoreview, Minnesota and Devon Crews from St. Louis, Missouri scored during the third period. Paige Kiani from New Brighton, Minnesota and Crews contributed two additional goals in the fourth quarter; however, overcoming the deficit proved too challenging.

Devon Crews concluded with four points comprising three goals and an assist. Jess Stiller and Paige Kiani each added two points. Alexandria Shea from Kenosha, Wisconsin made six saves as UW-Eau Claire's goalkeeper.

UW-Eau Claire led with a 14-12 advantage in ground balls while Colorado College out-shot them 41-18.

The Blugolds are set to play against either UW-River Falls or UW-La Crosse for third place on Saturday at River Falls after those teams complete their semifinal match on Friday night. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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