St. Louis, Mo. - The Marian women's lacrosse team played for the upset early Tuesday night building a 6-4 lead over No. 8 Missouri Baptist in the first half, but were unable to hold their advantage in the second half the Spartans ran away to a 16-7 victory. Marian's defeat is their first of the season, as they fall to 3-1 on the year.

Marian played to their strengths early against Missouri Baptist, feeding Ashlynn Gray who was making her season debut after missing the first three games of the year. Gray dominated early, scoring just 24 seconds into the game for the night's first goal, as teammate Madison Ash set up the early score. Marian stayed in front throughout the first quarter, as Gray poured in back to back unassisted goals at the 8:16 and 5:12 marks of the quarter, recording a hat trick in under 10 minutes. Gray's three goals stood as they only scores in the first quarter, as Katherine Hirsch was strong in the cage making three saves.

The Knights added to their lead in the second quarter, as Grace Martin netted a goal just over two minutes after the break, while a follow up score from Ella Grace Giedd 27 seconds after her teammates provided a 5-0 lead. Marian's shutout would last until the 10:33 mark of the second quarter, as the Spartans found a rhythm with Chayleb Deves netting the home team's first goal. Missouri Baptist would score the next two goals before Marian had a chance to find the back of the cage, with Ruby Mason scoring to take a 6-3 lead. Marian's three-goal advantage would get cut to two with just 58 seconds remaining in the half, as Caroline Karr provided momentum for the Spartans before the half.

Marian led 6-4 at the half and remained in the lead until back to back goals from Missouri Baptist tied the game with 6:14 remaining in the third quarter. The Spartans continued to rally, scoring five unanswered goals in the third quarter to take a 9-6 lead. Marian was able to manage just one shot attempt in the quarter, as turnovers aided the Missouri Baptist cause. 

The Spartans continued their 6-0 run into the fourth quarter, connecting on back to back scores to build an 11-6 lead. Marian stopped the run with 11:46 remaining as Giedd scored her second of the game, but Marian was unable to find continuity on the offensive end of the field. Missouri Baptist would score the final five goals of the game, closing the 16-7 victory for the home team. 

Turnovers plagued the Knights throughout the game, as they gave away 32 opportunites to Missouri Baptist's 18 turnovers. Gray led Marian in scoring with three goals, seeing action in the first half of the game. Giedd scored twice with Mason and Martin each scoring once. Four different Knights had assists in the game, and Madeline Dumke led Marian with three caused turnovers. 

Marian will return home to play St. Ambrose on Friday night, taking on the Fighting Bees at 7 p.m.

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