LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University women's lacrosse team blanked Wartburg College in the second half to post an 8-2 win and clinch the program's first ever slot in the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference Tournament.

Benedictine did not trail in the game. Samantha Link opened the scoring with 23:24 to go in the first half, striking on a free position attempt for her 27th goal of the year. Link scored again with 15:29 remaining to extend the lead to 2-0. Wartburg came back and Benedictine held a 3-2 lead at the half.

The defense tightened in the second as Benedictine scored five goals to pull away. Becca Gullett scored with 16:34 left in the game to hand Benedictine a 4-2 lead. Gabby Rowe provided three second half assists to help the Eagles secure the final slot in the tournament.

Link and Gullett each scored three goals. Benedictine held an 18-12 advantage in shots and added a 24-18 advantage in groundballs. Rowe and Lauryn Ligocki each collected four groundballs. Gullett caused four turnovers. Hannah Smith made three saves in goal.

Benedictine (4-12, 3-4 MWLC) will enter the tournament as the fourth seed and plays at Concordia Wisconsin on Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.