ALMA, Mich. – The Trine University women's lacrosse team remained unbeaten in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) action following a 14-3 triumph at Alma College. The victory makes the Thunder 9-3 overall and 3-0 in league play while the Scots fall to 4-7 and 1-3 in conference action.
The win was also significant as the 200th in the career of Head Coach Kevin Cooke. Although new to Trine in just his third season with the team, Cooke has had a very long and successful career thus far in collegiate women's lacrosse.
Trine owned the draw control circle to the tune of a 14-6 advantage that led to a 40-20 difference in shots for the team. The Thunder had every draw control in the first half, going 11-for-11. Brooke Hoag had eight to lead the team.
The first and second quarters were both won 4-1 by Trine to give the visitors an 8-2 edge going into halftime. Alyssa Keptner, Courtney Rhodes and Elizabeth Larson were true on free position attempts to put the squad ahead 3-0, while Danielle Gargiulo, Calista Richmond and Hoag added their names to the scoresheet later in the half.
The defense for both teams settled in during the third quarter. Trine added just one goal to their tally, a score while a man down by Richmond from Larson with just over three minutes remaining. A change is goalkeeper by Alma was proven to be a successful one in that period, but the Thunder added on in the fourth quarter to extend their lead.
Richmond scored or assisted on three of the five fourth quarter goals for the team in the 14-3 victory. She contributed seven points on the offensive end. In goal, Maddy Kasten (8-3) made nine saves in total, six coming in half number two. Larson had a team-high four ground balls and four caused turnovers.
Trine returns home to Shive Field on Tuesday, April 16 when Saint Mary's College makes the in-state trip to Angola, Indiana. The start time is set for 7 p.m.