MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Maddy Gill scored five goals, but it wasn't enough as Niagara women's lacrosse fell to Marquette 16-11 on Friday at Valley Fields Dome.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (1-4, 0-0 MAAC) kept the game competitive throughout, but couldn't overcome a balanced Marquette attack led by Meg Bireley's six goals and three assists.
 
Niagara trailed just 4-3 after the first quarter, but Marquette (4-1, 0-0 BIG EAST) scored four goals in each of the final three quarters to pull away. The Purple Eagles matched the Golden Eagles with three goals in both the third and fourth quarters, but couldn't close the gap.
 
Avery Olschefskie added a goal and two assists for Niagara, while Hannah Kent, Bianca McGrayne, Michaela Delles, Olivia Ng, and Giordan Peck each scored once.
 
Haley Terry recorded 15 saves in goal for the Purple Eagles, who were outshot 38-26 and lost the draw control battle 19-11.
 
Marquette was more efficient on clears, going 23-for-26 compared to Niagara's perfect 22-for-22, but the Purple Eagles committed more turnovers (20-15).
 
Gill, who now has 13 goals on the season, scored twice in the fourth quarter to keep Niagara within striking distance, but Marquette's offensive firepower proved too much.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 2-5 all-time against Marquette.
• The Purple Eagles scored a season-high 11 goals.
• NU has two or more free-position goals in each game this season.
• Niagara recorded a season-best 22 successful clears.
• Gill matched her career-best with five goals.
• Olschefskie finished with three points, her second multi-point game of the season.
• McGryane's tally was the first of her career.
• Terry recorded her third game this season with double-digit saves.
 
Up Next
Niagara will close out its five-game road swing with a Monday afternoon meeting with Pitt. Opening draw between the Purple Eagles and Panthers is set for 3 p.m.