Salem, Ore. - Claire Kisielnicki scored five goals and Sydney Davis added four as Lacrosse battled the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in a non-conference matchup.  The Bearcats held a 7-6 lead at halftime, but a strong third quarter by the Falcons led them to a 17-12 win.

After a back-and-forth start to the game, the visitors got on the board first on a free-position goal by Brooke Glumack.  Sydney Davis won the draw for Willamette and the Bearcats turned their next possession into a goal of their own by Claire Kisielnicki to tie the score.  The Falcons pulled back ahead with two minutes left in the quarter, but the Bearcats tied it up again, this time on a goal by Lily Bachiochi, and the quarter ended with the score 2-2.

River Falls got off to a quick start in the second, scoring a goal just twenty seconds in another one minute later to pull ahead 4-2.  Five minutes later it was Willamette's turn for the momentum and Davis, Alex Warfel, and Kisielnicki each scored in just over one minute of game time to put the Bearcats up 5-4.  After UWRF tied the game at five, Davis and Kisielnicki struck again to give Willamette a 7-5 lead and the Bearcats held a 7-6 lead at the half.

The third quarter belonged to the Falcons who tied the score 7-7 in the opening minute and took the lead shortly thereafter.  Davis scored two goals in the quarter to keep Willamette within striking distance, but a 7-2 advantage in the third gave the visitors a 13-9 lead as the game headed to the final quarter.

Another quick goal put River Falls up 14-9 early in the fourth, but the Bearcats were able to cut into the lead on consecutive goals by Kisielnicki and Warfel.  That was as close as Willamette was able to get and the Falcons went on to a 17-12 win.

Shea Richardson-Pepper led the Bearcats with five ground ball pickups, followed by Jay Shiflett with four.  Shiflett also caused four turnovers to lead Willamette and Warfel led the Bearcats with six draw controls.

Willamette's next game is the start of Northwest Conference play when they host Lewis & Clark College on Tuesday, April 1st, at 5:00 pm.