The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse team advanced to the Atlantic Sun Conference championship game after defeating Lindenwood 10-4 in the semifinals on April 30. The Fightin’ Blue Hens, who are the top seed, extended their winning streak to 12 games and improved their overall record to 13-4. Lindenwood ended its season with an 8-11 record.
The win marks Delaware’s first conference tournament victory since 2009 and brings the team’s season win total to its highest since 1999. The Blue Hens’ defense was key, shutting out fourth-seeded Lindenwood in the second half and forcing a total of 25 turnovers during the match.
Ella Rishko led Delaware with four goals and an assist, as well as contributing six draw controls, three ground balls, and two caused turnovers. Jaclyn Marszal added a goal and an assist while Mary Matey recorded a career-high five ground balls. Sydney O’Donnell finished with five caused turnovers—a personal best—and Kennedy Radziul added three more. Goalkeeper Steph Marszal made eight saves for a .667 save percentage, tying her career high.
Delaware held a significant advantage at draw control (10-6), including dominating after the first quarter (8-2). The Blue Hens also performed strongly in clearing attempts, completing 20-of-22 compared to Lindenwood’s 14-of-24.
After taking an early lead in rainy conditions, Delaware maintained control throughout the game despite weather delays. E. Rishko opened scoring just over five minutes into play by causing a turnover and converting it herself. Lulu Rishko followed up off a Grayson Buono feed before E. Rishko completed her first-half hat trick from eight meters out.
With this victory, E. Rishko surpassed the milestone of fifty goals for the season—the first Delaware player to do so since Jenn Rinnander in 1994—and helped secure what is now the longest single-season winning streak in program history at twelve games.
Delaware will compete for the ASUN Championship title on Saturday, May 2 at 1 p.m., facing either Jacksonville or Liberty.
