The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Women’s Lacrosse team defeated the UW-River Falls Falcons 14-13 in the first-ever “Bird Bowl”.
In partnership with LaCROSSe Out Cancer, a national organization dedicated to helping eliminate childhood cancer, the Eagles and the Falcons came together to raise funds in support of pediatric cancer research.
Together, the teams reached their goal of raising over $5,000.
The LaCROSSe Out Cancer (LOC) initiative was launched in 2022 by Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL) in partnership with Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) to use sports to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.
In honor of the 47 children diagnosed with cancer each day in the United States, MYL created the 47 challenge.
“Anyone can get involved. Whether it’s 47-yard sprints, passes, or wall ball sessions, teams can get involved in ways that suit them best,” said Bonnie Lattimore, senior director of development and strategic partnerships at the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.
All the proceeds of each year’s fundraiser benefit the PCRF. In less than three years, the LOC initiative has raised more than $250,000 and has funded more than 5,000 hours of research for pediatric cancer.
Lacrosse programs from all levels across the country have begun taking part in the effort, with schools such as Rutgers, Alabama and Colgate all raising money. So far, over 350 teams have participated.
For the game, the Eagles took an 8-3 lead after a dominant first half. The Eagles scored 4 goals in each of the first and second periods, off the sticks of Ava Schiltz, Megan Feeney and Megan Maloney.
Three of Maloney’s goals against the Falcons came in the first half, all of which were unassisted.
Angie Olla and Evie Brilz also contributed a goal each in the first half, with Olla assisting on Feeney’s first goal of the game and Brilz scoring unassisted.
The Eagles scored five goals in the third period, including two from Feeney, one from Olla and one off the stick of Schiltz. Of goalkeeper Stefania Rosso’s nine saves, four came in the third period, when the Falcons attempted ten shots on goal.
Maloney led the Eagles in shots on goal with ten and tied with Feeney for goals with four.
In the fourth period, the Eagles gave up five goals on 12 shots, including four straight goals in the last eight minutes and 30 seconds of the game. However, the Falcons’ last-chance effort was not enough, and the Eagles hung on to take the victory 14-13.
The Eagles’ next match comes against The College of Saint Benedict (Minn.) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. For the full recap and more information regarding UWL Women’s Lacrosse, refer to the UWL Athletics website.
To contribute or become involved with the LaCROSSe Out Cancer campaign and help the organization reach its $300,000 goal, visit the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation’s website.
