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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Kenzie Krom vs. OWU 2-26-25
Jose Figueroa
7
Ohio Wesleyan OWUW 1-2
15
Winner John Carroll JCUW 2-0
Ohio Wesleyan OWUW
1-2
7
Final
15
John Carroll JCUW
2-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Ohio Wesleyan OWUW 3 0 2 2 7
John Carroll JCUW 4 4 2 5 15

Next Game:

Calvin University

3/1/2025 | 4:00 PM

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Full Schedule
Mar. 01 (Sat) / 4:00 PM
 Calvin University
History

Game Recap: Women's Lacrosse | | Joe Ginley '16, SID

On a Rainy Home Opener, Women's Lacrosse Dominates Battling Bishops

JCU's offense shined despite the rain at Don Shula Stadium

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – As you might expect for a February home opener, Mother Nature made it a tough go for both teams at Don Shula Stadium.

But despite the rainy and at times cold conditions, John Carroll Women's Lacrosse persevered in a strong victory, 15-7, over Ohio Wesleyan University, a future conference foe.

The Blue Streaks advanced to 2-0 on the year, the team's first 2-0 start since 2021.

"This means a lot for us," said Samantha Usterbowski, who played a lead role in the Blue Streaks' victory. "The team is amped and excited, as we're leaving the OAC and going into the NCAC. You can see on and off the field how hard we're working together and on our own. Our effort is leading to strong play on the field."

Olivia Hanulak opened the scoring for John Carroll. Hanulak fired home another tally a few minutes later, this time taking a nice feed from Abby Cassidy to find the back of the net. OWU found an equalizer, but Cassidy quickly got a goal, drawing a free position attempt and taking advantage. 

Kathleen Cagney found twine midway through the first on a nice goal. After an OWU timeout, JCU garnered a quick turnover to prevent the Battling Bishops from garnering any momentum. The Blue Streaks headed into the second up by one. 

Kenzie Krom started the scoring early in the second quarter, rapidly firing home a pass from Hanulak. A few minutes later, it was Hanulak doing the damage, taking a quick pass from Usterbowski. The goal upped JCU's lead to 6-3.  

Shortly after an OWU green card, JCU took advantage. Hanulak swiftly scored off an Usterbowski helper. John Carroll kept up the pressure on offense, with Lauren Schwartz ripping a low lefty goal for an 8-3 lead, which stood through half.

After the break, Riley Knapp tossed in a nice bounce shot, with Lauren Schwartz providing the setup pass. Hanulak got back to her scoring ways shortly after. While the scoring was limited, it was still quite the quarter. Cards dotted the scorebook, with the referees keeping a close handle on the game. JCU stood on top, 10-5, entering the fourth.

While the Battling Bishops got on the board first in the final quarter, JCU responded quickly. Knapp won the ensuing draw control and charged downfield, finding Usterbowski for a near instant response. Knapp continued her offensive onslaught, this time firing it home off Usterbowski's pass first, and then tallying a goal off a Hanulak pass. With JCU's lead stretched to 13-6, OWU called a timeout at 9:30. 

The Blue & Gold continued the party on offense with free-position goals by Cagney and Krom, finishing things out for the hosts.

Olivia Hanulak led all players with 5 goals and 7 points, plus 3 caused turnovers. Samantha Usterbowski enjoyed a career day with one goal and 4 assists, her second game back on the field after missing all of last year with an injury.

"I'm just really excited to get after it," said Usterbowski. "Last year, I connected with the team. This year, being in unison with my teammates and having good communication has been my goal. And on a night like tonight [in the rain], the key for me was keeping a positive attitude. Trusting in my teammates to have my back and are there to catch those feeds, I knew everything would fall in line."

Abby Cassidy topped the team with 6 groundballs. Meghan Weiner tied for the team lead with 3 caused turnovers. Rachel Kroeger did a nice job in net tonight, tallying 11 saves.  

Next Up
John Carroll will remain at home within the friendly confines of Don Shula Stadium, hosting Calvin on Saturday at 2:30 pm. 
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Players Mentioned

Kathleen Cagney

#10 Kathleen Cagney

A/M
5' 4"
Sophomore
Olivia Hanulak

#12 Olivia Hanulak

M
5' 6"
Senior
Lauren Schwartz

#24 Lauren Schwartz

A
5' 8"
Senior
Meghan Weiner

#13 Meghan Weiner

D
5' 5"
Junior
Riley Knapp

#7 Riley Knapp

M
5' 3"
First Year
Rachel Kroeger

#31 Rachel Kroeger

G
5' 9"
First Year
Samantha Usterbowski

#8 Samantha Usterbowski

A
5' 2"
First Year
Kenzie Krom

#9 Kenzie Krom

A
5' 6"
First Year
Abby Cassidy

#16 Abby Cassidy

M
5' 5"
First Year

Players Mentioned

Kathleen Cagney

#10 Kathleen Cagney

5' 4"
Sophomore
A/M
Olivia Hanulak

#12 Olivia Hanulak

5' 6"
Senior
M
Lauren Schwartz

#24 Lauren Schwartz

5' 8"
Senior
A
Meghan Weiner

#13 Meghan Weiner

5' 5"
Junior
D
Riley Knapp

#7 Riley Knapp

5' 3"
First Year
M
Rachel Kroeger

#31 Rachel Kroeger

5' 9"
First Year
G
Samantha Usterbowski

#8 Samantha Usterbowski

5' 2"
First Year
A
Kenzie Krom

#9 Kenzie Krom

5' 6"
First Year
A
Abby Cassidy

#16 Abby Cassidy

5' 5"
First Year
M

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