A ferocious 11-0 run to start the second half blew the game wide open as Denison defeated Wooster 19-9 in the semifinals of the North Coast Athletic Conference Women's Lacrosse Tournament.  Top-seeded Denison was clinging to a 7-6 lead at halftime, but asserted themselves early and often in the second period.

Twenty-nine seconds into the second half, Claire Ludlow fed Carol Allen with Denison's eighth goal of the night.  Four more goals came from Reid Hirschey, Ludlow, Lizzy Pellicane and Leah Israel and before 3 minutes could elapse in the second period, Denison led 12-6.

The five goals in three minutes came after DU controlled four of the first five draws in the half.  There wasn't a lot of passing or set offense.  The Big Red went right to the cage and the aggressive strategy paid off.  With 18:34 to play, Virginia Hamilton's goal put Denison up 16-6, signaling the running clock from the referee.  A second goal from Hamilton followed by another goal by Ludlow put the game out of reach.

Wooster broke Denison's 11-goal run with 13:51 to play as Ellie Hudson-Heck scored her fourth goal of the game.  DU's final goal came from Claudia Rafi on a free-position shot with 10 minutes remaining.

The draws were dominated by the Big Red, 21-9.  Israel led all players with seven draw controls.  Ludlow finished with five and Jane Goodspeed ended with four.  The Fighting Scots committed 21 turnovers as Pellicane, Grace Gavula and Ludlow each caused two turnovers.

Pellicane paced the offense with five goals and one assist.  Ludlow scored three goals and two assists while Allen also added a hat trick and one assist.  Allen's final goal gives her 150 goals in her Denison career which ranks her third all-time.

Becca Jones started the game in goal and finished with one save in 30 minutes.  Hannah Magarian played the second half and also posted one save.

For the fifth time in the last six seasons, Denison will play in the NCAC Tournament Championship.  As the top-seed, they will host second-seeded Wittenberg at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 8 at Piper Stadium in Granville.  The Big Red is seeking its third-straight conference tournament title.