'Cats' Comeback Comes Up Short in 11-9 Loss at No. 9 Stony Brook

STONY BROOK, N.Y. --   A furious comeback by fifth-ranked Northwestern came up just short as the Wildcats fell to No. 9 Stony Brook Sunday afternoon, 11-9.

The Wildcats trailed 10-5 with 7:20 left when they started what would have been their second comeback of five-plus goals this season. Junior Kaleigh Craig went five hole with 5:58 on the clock before freshman Selena Lasota scored back-to-back goals in a span of 18 seconds to cut the deficit to just two, 10-8.

The `Cats caused a turnover and found freshman Shelby Fredericks behind the defense for a 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, but her shot that would have cut the lead to one, hit the post.

With Northwestern chasing on defense, the Seawolves were able to extend the lead back to three, 11-8, on a goal by Kristin Yevoli with 3:10 remaining.

NU continued to fight however as senior Kara Mupo scored with 1:35 left to again cut the lead to two, 11-9. The `Cats won the ensuing draw control and had a chance in front, but Craig's shot went wide and SB gained possession only to run the clock out.

The first half didn't start the way the Wildcats would have liked as uncharacteristic turnover after turnover gave Stony Brook more advantages than it had earned. The `Cats turned the ball over on each of its first three possession, each leading to a goal by the Seawolves.

Freshman Kylie Ohlmiller scored the opening goal of the contest and then assisted on back-to-back goals to give the Seawolves a 3-0 lead just 8:09 into the game.

The `Cats continued to dominate in the draw circle, but two more turnovers led to the second goals of the game by both Dorrien Van Dyke and Courtney Muprhy to push the deficit to 5-0.

Freshman Selena Lasota finally put the Wildcats on the board with 8:59 to go in the half on a 8-meter shot from dead on and then wrapped around the crease on a feed from classmate Corinne Wessels just 1:15 later to cut the deficit to three, 5-2.

Junior Christina Esposito extended the run to 3-0 and cut the lead heading into halftime to 5-3 with a free-position goal with 2:54 left in the first half.

Lasota led the Wildcats with four goals, while Long Island natives Craig and Mupo each had a pair. Senior Haydyn Anigian led the `Cats with four caused turnovers and three ground balls.

The Wildcats will wrap up their three-game road trip with their final road game of the season on Thursday at Notre Dame. Opening draw is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.