CHICAGO – The University of Chicago women's lacrosse team found its offensive groove in the second half and blitzed Carroll University 26-5 on Wednesday night.

The No. 21-ranked Maroons (11-1 record, 2-0 CCIW) won their seventh-straight game. The Pioneers dropped to 7-5 overall (2-1 CCIW).

The 26 goals shattered the previous school record off 22 goals in a game, which was reached on four different occasions.

Less than four minutes into the game, senior Lally Johnson fed sophomore Camille Kuwana for a goal that put UChicago ahead 2-0. It marked Johnson's 100th career assist – she is the program's all-time leader in that category.

Physical defense characterized the evening contest. Carroll looked to disrupt UChicago's attackers with aggressive checking in an effort to jar the ball loose at every opportunity. It proved effective as the Maroons were stymied large portions of the first quarter.

The second quarter started strong for the hosts, as they rung up four quick goals in less than four minutes to take an 8-1 lead. Carroll, however, began to find its footing offensively and scored three of the next four goals to draw within 9-4. UChicago stymied the momentum heading into halftime as junior Anneke Pulkkinen found the back of the net with 47 seconds left off an assist by Johnson.

There would be no drama in the second half. UChicago rediscovered its efficiency and made more aggressive attacks that drew fouls on the Pioneer defenders. The Maroons scored nine free-position goals in the second half en route to a whopping total of 13 in the game.

After the two sides exchanged goals in the opening minutes of the third quarter, UChicago threw the offense into high gear and scored 15 unanswered goals the rest of the way. Junior Zoe Torok tallied a hat trick in the third quarter and sophomore Lizzie Huesman converted back-to-back free-position attempts to give the Maroons a 19-5 lead after 45 minutes.

UChicago put seven on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, with two each coming courtesy of junior Peyton Sanborn and sophomore Kallie Hoffman.

In the final box score, the Maroons held sway in every major category. The home side dominated shots (37-7), draw controls (24-10) and ground balls (30-18). UChicago converted 12 of 16 clears while the Pioneers only went 13-for-24. Carroll also turned the ball over 29 times, with UChicago posting a season-high 20 caused turnovers.

Torok paced the attack with five goals while also adding six draw controls in the middle. Johnson handed out three assists to go with two goals and two ground balls. Huesman put up three goals, one assist and two draw controls. Pulkkinen tallied three goals, while first-year Jane Chen contributed one goal and three assists. Kuwana, Sanborn and Hoffman submitted two goals apiece.

Senior Adriana Shutler and sophomore Lulu Hardy each totaled one goal, four ground balls and two caused turnovers. First-year Evelina Swigart was active in all facets with five ground balls, three draw controls, three caused turnovers and one goal. Junior Becky Van Kirk finished with eight draw controls, four ground balls and two caused turnovers.

First-year goalie Rachel Keefe improved her season record to 11-1. She made two saves with four goals allowed in 30 minutes of playing time. Junior Emily Feigen took over the final 30 minutes and allowed one goal.

NEXT GAME:

• Saturday, April 16 @ 1:00 PM – UChicago at Augustana College