LIVONIA, Mich. – The Trine University women's lacrosse team moved to 2-1 overall this season with an 18-7 victory at Madonna University (0-4) on Saturday. The Thunder were able to find success on clear attempts in the win, going 22-of-25 to put themselves in good positions to score on offense. The defense forced 33 turnovers as well.
Trine took a 4-3 lead after the first quarter with a diverse scoring attack consisting of Alyssa Keptner, Brooke Hoag, Courtney Rhodes and Danielle Gargiulo. The Crusaders drew even early in the second, but the Thunder would rattle off six goals in a row and 10 of the next 11 to go up big at halftime.
Alyssa Lahutsky began the scoring spurt after a feed by Claire Schmaltz. Hoag would find the back of the net three times during the 6-0 run. Calista Richmond added a pair during the final five minutes of the period to make it 14-5 at the break.
The two teams would settle in defensively in the second half as both teams only scored once. Nikki Hibler made it 15-5 with a score less than one minute into the period, but the rest of the quarter would go scoreless for Trine.
The lead was extended and result put out of reach in favor of the Thunder with three goals scored by Gargiulo, Richmond and Elizabeth Larson in the fourth quarter. One final tally by Madonna made it 18-7 Trine at the final horn.
Hoag led the team with five goals, but Richmond had the most points with seven (four goals, three assist). Gargiulo led the squad both in draw controls (7) and ground balls (4) while a variety of players had multiple caused turnovers, including Darya Weintz and Paige Hull. Maddy Kasten (2-1) received the win after making six saves in 45 minutes. Sienna Coventry relieved her in net for the final 15 minutes.
Spalding University is the next opponent on the women's lacrosse schedule, a road contest on March 8 beginning at 3 p.m.