Springfield, Ohio - The Marian women's lacrosse team finished their non-conference play with a strong 14-8 victory over Wittenberg on Wednesday night, closing the game with a seven-goal fourth quarter. Marian's win gives them a 5-2 record heading into WHAC play, as Marian has matched their win total from 2022 through seven games.

Wittenberg struck first in the opening quarter as Anna Roller was able sneak a goal past Katherine Hirsch just 29 seconds into the game. The Knights responded and forced three turnovers to get the offense back in flow, scoring on their first shot of the game at the 10:38 mark as Katelynn Gray rattled the cage to tie the game. Hirsch and the Knights defense anchored down for the remainder of the quarter allowing just one shot attempt, playing strong until the final two minutes of the quarter. Madeline Dumke netted her first goal of the game with 89 seconds left in the period, sending Marian into the second quarter with a 2-1 lead.

The Tigers broke their drought 61 seconds into the quarter as they scored a man-advantage goal, but the score wouldn't stay tied long as Ruby Mason pushed Marian ahead 3-2 with 12:14 to play before half. Marian continued to dominate possession as their defense forced multiple turnovers, and at the 8:22 mark the Knights gained cushion on the scoreboard with Madison Ash scoring to take a 4-2 edge. The Marian lead would push to three goals as Kate. Gray scored her second of the night, but Wittenberg roared back before the half, scoring twice to cut the difference to one.

Marian won a low scoring third quarter to hold their stamp on the game, going on top by two goals with 11:16 remaining as Ambrosia Johnson scored her first goal of the season. Wittenberg would trim the Marian lead to one, but a score in the final four mintues from Grace Martin allowed Marian to hold a 7-5 lead after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter the scoring broke open, as Marian answered an early Wittenberg goal with four unanswered goals in a three minute window. Ashlynn Gray scored her first goal of the night to push the Knights on top 8-6, while Ella Grace Giedd scored her first goal of the game to take a three-goal lead. The duo each scored one more time in the window as Marian continued to dominate in the draw circle, pushing Marian in front 11-6. The Knights would lead by four goals or more for the final 8:02 of the game, getting scores from Ash. Gray, Giedd, and Martin to close the game in a 14-8 victory.

The Knights defense played strong throughout the win, forcing 45 turnovers while causing 16 of the giveaways. Each of the Gray siblings and Giedd recorded a hat trick in the win, while Martin scored twice. Ashlynn Gray led Marian with 12 shot attempts, while she and her sister each had five ground balls. Katelynn Gray and Ruby Mason caused a team-high three turnovers, and in goal Hirsch recorded her fifth victory of the year playing first half minutes. Coyne made the lone save of the game for the Knights. 

Marian will begin WHAC play on Saturday, taking on Madonna at 10 a.m. in Livonia, Mich.

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