ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University women's lacrosse team recorded their tenth win of the season on Tuesday with a 17-4 victory at home against Saint Mary's College. The Thunder are now 10-3 overall and remain undefeated in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play at 4-0. The Belles drop to 1-10 overall and 0-4 inside the league.
Courtney Rhodes went to work early for two goals in the first five minutes to put Trine ahead from the start. The lead grew to 4-0 thanks to goals by Alyssa Keptner and Calista Richmond, but Saint Mary's finally got on the board with seven minutes and change remaining in the first quarter. Danielle Gargiulo found the back of the net twice just before the end of the first in a 6-1 quarter in favor of the home squad.
The Thunder continued to pour it on with five in a row in the second quarter to get to a double-digit lead at 11-1. Both Keptner and Gargiulo fired shots past the opposing goalie for two goals in the second quarter, making it 12-2 at halftime.
Brooke Hoag and Elizabeth Larson further increased the team's lead in the third quarter by scoring while the team was a man up. Three of the four goals scored in the fourth belonged to Trine as well to get to the 17-4 final score.
Gargiulo led the team with six points (four goals, two assists) while the trio of Gargiulo, Keptner and Rhodes tied for the team lead with four goals each. A 38-14 advantage in total shots led to the wide gap in goals scored.
The Thunder won the draw control circle to the tune of 17-6, with Hoag securing eight to pace the team. A diversified defensive attack saw Hoag cause two turnovers and seven other student-athletes were credited with a cause. Rhodes and Sydney Weiss collected three ground balls each. In goal, Maddy Kasten (9-3) made six saves in 45 minutes.
Trine and Hope College will meet on Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m. for the team's next game. That contest will be at home on Shive Field.