MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Marian lacrosse team picked up the road win against Bethel 14-7 on Wednesday, improving their record to 7-1 in WHAC action and 12-3 overall.
The Knights hardly wasted any time before Madison Ash got the opening goal of the day on the assist from Katelynn Gray, before Gray found Madeline Dumke 26 seconds later to put Marian up 2-0 early in quarter one. A few turnovers and an empty possession with a saved shot attempt kept the Knights off the board for a little over four minutes. A turnover caused by Mallory Miranda helped spark the offense, as Emily Blackburn got Marian going at the 9:09 mark. Marian worked a pair of possessions before scoring again, as Ella Grace Giedd connected with Grace Martin for another Knights goal. The Pilots would answer after a Marian shot attempt, but Dumke had an answer with her score on the man-advantage goal.
Both teams picked up the scoring in the second quarter, as each scored one goal more than the previous quarter. Once again it was the Knights scoring first as Ash connected with Giedd at the 11:34 mark, extending the lead to 6-1. Ashlynn Gray added to Marian's scoring before seconds later Bethel responded with back-to-back goals. The Knights returned the favor, as Ash. Gray, Jada Taylor, Martin, and Giedd all scored in under five minutes to help Marian have the 11-3 lead into the halftime break.
Bethel came out on the attack to start the second half, outscoring Marian 4-3. The Pilots scored first, but it was Ash. Gray completing the hat trick for the quick answer, while a score from Giedd put Marian in the lead 13-4. The Pilots continued to battle, as they added on three goals to cut their deficit to six. The Knights would have the last say of the quarter with Ash. Gray notching her fourth goal of the night, putting her team on top 14-7.
Unlike the first three quarters, an unusual scoreless fourth quarter left the Knights on top 14-7. Both sides fired off shots with Marian outshooting Bethel 6-5, but neither team could get one to find the back of the cage.
Ashlynn Gray scored four goals and Giedd recorded the hat trick, while Dumke and Martin each notched two scores each. Blackburn, Ash, and Taylor all added one goal. Katelynn Gray, Giedd, and Ash led the Knights with two assists each. Chase Searcy and Miranda led Marian with three and two caused turnovers, while Giedd and Blackburn picked up two ground balls. Katherine Hirsch earned the win in goal, allowing three scores in the first half while making two saves. Grace Coyne came in the second half, allowing four goals and making three saves.
Marian will close out the regular season on Saturday when they host No. 3 Lawrence Tech at 6 p.m.
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