FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- Already off to an electric 2-0 start on the season, the Concordia-Chicago Cougars had momentum heading into their MWLC opener against Marian University this afternoon. Though falling behind early, CUC responded by shutting out the Sabres over the final 54 minutes of play to run away with a 19-2 victory.

Inside the Box Score:

• With the win, the Cougars open up the season on a 3-0 tear which ties the program record for the longest win-streak during a single season.
• Having not lost a game since April 7 of 2019, CUC is amid a six-game win streak, which is the longest active run in program history. 
• Freshman Nina Naes was critical in leading Concordia's offense today, as the St. Louis native recorded five of CUC's six assists on the day, and finished the day with six points, including one goal. Today marks a career-high in assists and points for the rookie. 
• Sophomore Emily Cyrwus had a career-best day as well, as the Chicago native found the back of the net six times, beating her previous career-best of four goals in a single game. So far on the season, Cyrwus is averaging 4.67 goals per game. The sophomore also had a career-high 12 draw controls against the Sabres.
• Also appearing in the scoring column were Elizabeth Cyrwus, Rylee Orenstein and Michelle Ruan. Cyrwus' efforts marks a career best for the junior, as does fellow classmate, Ruan's hat trick. For Orenstein, this is the rookie's third hat trick in as many games, as she is now second on the team in goals (9) and fourth on the team in total points (10).
• Freshman netminder Ryan McGee picked up her third win in goal and reached a career-high, four saves in the win. Over CUC's three games thus far, McGee has allowed no more than two goals per game, through 60 minutes of play. 

How it Happened:

• Elizabeth Cyrwus jumped out of the gates, scoring Concordia's first goal of the game less than 90 seconds into today's contest. 
• After establishing an early lead, the Sabres rattled off back-to-back goals, which put CUC behind for the first time all season.
• Despite the adversity, the Cougars stepped up to the challenge as Emily Cyrwus and Orenstein exchanged a pair of goals over the next 2:10 of play, which put CUC ahead 5-2 with over 21 minutes to go in the half.
• With 19:13 to go the Cougars went man-down on offense. However, Ruan stepped up to the challenge and recorded a man-down goal that put CUC up by four goals.
• Over the final 17 minutes of play, Orenstein recorded one goal, followed by three-straight scores from Elizabeth Cyrwus, that established a demanding 10-2 lead for CUC, heading into the halftime break.
• Opening up the second half, Orenstein found Emily Cyrwus on a fast-break across the crease, to dish the assist on CUC's 11th goal of the night. 
• Crywus would score three more times before the game ended, in addition to Bailey Steinkamp, Madison Perkins, Naes and Ruan getting back into the scoring mix. With the offensive explosion, Concordia-Chicago walked away with a dominant 19-2 victory over Marian, in the conference opener. 

Coach Russell Allen's Take:

• "This win felt special," Allen said. "It was by far the most mature version of lacrosse we've played all season, with a very young team, too. Nina Naes is developing into her role as a feeder more and more every day, while Emily Cyrwus dominated today's game in so may facets. I am so excited for the continued growth from this team throughout the rest of the season."

Up Next:

• Concordia-Chicago will have a full week of practice before returning to work next Saturday morning, to take on Cornell College in their 2020 home opener. Game time is scheduled for 10 a.m. inside Concordia Stadium.