LIVONIA, Mich. – Madonna women's lacrosse faced a tough test Saturday afternoon, falling to No. 10 Lawrence Tech 21–4 at the MU Soccer and Lacrosse Field.
The Crusaders came out with early energy, striking first when Madi Conrad found the back of the net just under a minute into the contest to give Madonna a 1–0 lead. However, Lawrence Tech quickly responded, using a strong offensive surge to close the opening quarter on an 8–0 run and take control of the game.
Madonna continued to battle in the second quarter and found a spark midway through the period. Danielle Turner scored off an assist from Conrad to cut into the deficit, but the Blue Devils answered with five goals in the quarter to carry a 13–2 lead into halftime.
The Crusaders showed resilience coming out of the break. Emma Volpe converted on a free-position opportunity in the third quarter to add another goal for Madonna, while Turner added her second goal of the game in the fourth quarter off an assist from Volpe.
Despite the continued effort, Lawrence Tech maintained control throughout the second half, adding eight more goals across the final two quarters to secure the 21–4 victory.
Turner led the Crusaders offensively with two goals, while Conrad and Volpe each contributed a goal and an assist. Madonna finished with seven total shots and five shots on goal in the contest.
Defensively, goalkeeper Olivia Vitantonio was under constant pressure but turned in a strong performance with 16 saves on the day while facing 48 total shots from the Lawrence Tech attack.
Lawrence Tech was paced offensively by Alyson Walendzak with four goals, while Bella Louwerse, Mari Pellmann, Morgan Waligora, and Jocelyn VanderZwaag each added three goals.
Madonna will be back in action when they play the four seed, Bethel University, in the 2026 WHAC Women's Lacrosse Conference Tournament, Bethel University. The fifth-seeded Crusaders will travel to Mishawaka, Indiana to take on Bethel at Morey Field at 6:00 PM.
