NAPPERVILLE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque lacrosse team hit the road for their first CCIW match-up of 2021, where they would jump out to an early lead before eventually falling, 23-9 to North Central.

After the game-time was pushed back several hours due to weather, the Spartans would race out to the early lead with a Gavin Hughes goal just 2:16 into the game. However, that UD lead would not last long as North Central would then rattle off eight unanswered goals.

The Spartans would respond by winning the second quarter 4-3 to cut into the deficit and make it 10-5 at halftime. The Cardinals would start the third quarter by scoring the first six goals of the quarter to put an end to the Spartans comeback chances.

Will Robinson continued his hot streak in the loss, scoring four goals on the night to give himself nine goals over the last two games. Tanner Weis added two goals, while Gavin Huhges, Will Kowalewski and Ben Farraday scored one each. 

Despite committing six penalties on Saturday night, the UD defense stepped up while playing a man down, forcing the Cardinals to go 0-6 on extra man opportunities. The Spartans would also convert a respectable 19-26 on clear attempts.

The Spartans two goalkeepers combined for 16 saves. Ryan Gartner saw most of the action, recording 14 saves, with George Smirl grabbing the final two.

After back-to-back road games, the Spartans return home on Wed., April 14 to take on Augustana at 7 p.m.