ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's lacrosse team used a late fourth quarter push on Saturday to knock off the visiting Northwestern (Minn.) Eagles by a score of 10-7 at Thorson-Lucken Field.
It was a defensive battle from the beginning as neither team could muster a goal in the first eight minutes of play.
Brady Holtz broke the scoreless tie at the 6:12 mark on a pass from
Jack Connolly to give the Vikings the early 1-0 lead. After a goal from the Eagles, the two Vikings who accounted for the first goal switched roles as Connolly put Augie back in front on an assist from Holtz. Augustana led 2-1 after 15 minutes of action.
The second quarter saw its highest offensive output of the game, with the Eagles winning the frame by a slight 4-3 advantage to tie the game at five goals apiece heading into halftime. Three different Vikings scored in the quarter, with Holtz earning his second goal of the game.
Augustana took a one-goal lead heading into the final quarter after back-to-back scores from Holtz reclaimed the lead for the Vikings in the final minutes. Northwestern notched the first score of the fourth to even the game, but Augustana closed out the contest with three unanswered goals, with game-winner coming from Holtz at the 8:50 mark.
Jake Moore and
Elijah Graesser rounded out the fourth quarter scoring to provide insurance for the Vikings.
As a team, Augustana out-shout Northwestern 59-20. The Vikings had a strong defensive showing, causing 19 turnovers. The team also saw a major advantage in the ground balls category, holding a 44-16 margin. Holtz was the game's top scorer, but also led the Vikings in caused turnovers with four. Three others secured at least two or more as
Jack Connolly was next with three.
Jack Worfel and
Jack Olson also caused two.
Trevor Herman and Holtz tallied double-digit ground balls in the win, with Herman posting a game-best 13.
Gus Magnusson stopped seven shots in net.
With the win, the Vikings improve to 1-1 on the season. The team will hit the road for their first contest away from home on Wednesday, March 1 when they visit the Cornell Rams. Start time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
