GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - What appeared to be a decisive victory for Davenport University women's lacrosse turned out to be a tight contest against Concordia St. Paul, the Panthers securing their first GLIAC win in 2024 with a 12-9 finish.

DU came into the game well-composed on both sides of the pitch. Piecing together an unanswered scoring run in the first period, Brianna Rodriguez and Theadora Krueger (two goals) went up 3-0 heading into the second. 

The struggles continued for the CSP, who had no answers for the Panthers' run, as the Bears faced a 7-1 deficit at halftime after making eight turnovers in the second period. Krueger tallied two more goals, with Blakely Malpass and Maddy Haynes adding their first goals.

An entirely different opponent came out of the halftime break, as two quick scores by the Bears under two minutes into the third made it a four-goal game. Haynes scored her second goal of the day to end the scoring run, but CSP responded with a 4-1 run across five minutes to cut the deficit to 9-7 with one period left to play.

DU ramped up their efforts in the final push, adding three unanswered goals to bring their lead up to five (12-7) with 7:24 remaining. Although a few defensive hiccups allowed the Bears to score two more times, it wouldn't be enough for a comeback as the Panthers secured their first conference win since 2022 - snapping a three-game losing streak against CSP and leveling the season series at 1-1.

Penalties were a factor in the momentum, as a combined 27 minutes were tallied by DU (10) and CSP (17).

Krueger's four goals (three groundballs) were a game-high, with Malpass (three), Haynes (two), Rodriguez, Gabby Basha, and Alyssa Bird added to the scoring effort. Defensively, Haynes and Jade Remacle were ballhawks throughout, recording five and three caused turnovers, respectively. Maisy Latus recorded eight saves for a .417 save percentage.

Improving to 6-6 overall (1-3 GLIAC), the Panthers have two regular-season games remaining, both against Grand Valley State. The first game will be in Allendale on Friday, Apr. 26.