Anderson, Ind. – The Marian women's lacrosse team began their 2023 campaign off right on Wednesday night as they defeated Anderson University 17-5. Marian had six different players score with five scoring a hat trick or more. With the win, the Knights start their season off 1-0.
Marian got off to quick and hot start with back-to-back goals to kick off the first game of the season. Ella Grace Giedd scored the game's first goal as she notched her first goal in a Marian uniform before 16 seconds later Grace Martin got one to go in to make it 2-0 early. The Knights got a good look at the 10:53 mark from Giedd on the free position shot, but Anderson goalie was able to make the save. The Knights continued to put pressure on the Ravens' defense, scoring three more quick goals from Giedd, Katelynn Gray, and Ruby Mason to put Marian up 5-0.
Anderson found their first good look with a little under eight minutes left in the first quarter, but a save by Katherine Hirsch left the Ravens still searching. The Knights extended their lead to 7-0 after Giedd completed the hat trick, followed by Mason finding back netting. Hirsch picked up three saves to keep Anderson scoreless, while Madison Ash connected with Giedd for the goal with 4:26 left in the first to give them the 8-0 advantage. However, Anderson found their first goal of the game 10 seconds later to end the first quarter 8-1 in favor of the Knights.
The Ravens were the first to attack in the second quarter with their second goal coming with 10:52 remaining. Marian got their offense flowing again at the 7:12 mark when they responded by back-to-back goals from Katelynn Gray and Martin to hit the 10 goals mark. Anderson started finding their offensive rhythm as they scored again to trail 10-3. Ash had the last say of the half as she put one past the Ravens' goalie with 51 ticks left to give the Knights the 11-3 lead at halftime.
The offensive momentum seemed to swing towards the Ravens in the third quarter with the hosts picking up the first goal to cut their deficit 11-4. Mason ended the scoring drought for Marian at the 3:16 mark which would be the final goal scored of the quarter, putting the Knights up 12-4 going into the final quarter of action.
Marian pushed their lead to 10 goals after Grace executed on the free position goal, followed by Ash scoring at the 9:12 mark, making the score 14-4. The Ravens continued to battle as they got their fifth goal a little over two minutes later, but Tori Farkas started a scoring spurt for Marian with 4:49 to go. Mason and Katelynn Gray each hit back netting to score the final goals of the game and lead Marian to the 17-5 win.
The Knights's victory was headline by Giedd's team-leading four goals on six shots. Katelynn Gray, Ash, Mason and Martin each recorded a hat trick, while Ash and Mason dished out two assists. Gray picked up a team-best four groundballs and Mason won five draws.
Hirsh got the win in goal for Marian as she made six saves and allowed five goals.
Marian will return to action on Friday at 6 PM when they host Georgetown College in their home opener.
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