INDIANAPOLIS - The Marian women's lacrosse team started their postseason strong Tuesday night, winning their first conference tournament game as a WHAC member by defeating Bethel University 17-9 at St. Vincent Field. Marian's win improves their season record to 13-4 overall on the season. 

The Knights started swiftly as they have throughout much of the season, hammering home the first three goals of the contest. Ashlynn Gray broke the scoring opening with her goal less than two minutes in, with Ella Grace Giedd and Madison Ash following up with scores to provide the 3-0 cushion under seven minutes into play. Bethel would notch a goal minutes later as Alyssa Lundy got one past Katherine Hirsch, but Grace Martin responded with a goal to regain the three-goal lead. Another Pilot goal before the quarter's end would see the score rest at 4-2 after the opening 15 minutes.

In the second quarter, the Marian offense took over the game scoring four goals to Bethel's win, pushing a 8-3 lead going into halftime. Katelynn Gray scored two goals in the first four minutes of the quarter as the Knights showed a strong presence on the draw control. Marian continued to find shots after the swift scores but couldn't get the ball to the back of the net, allowing Bethel to cut into the lead with 5:40 remaining in the half. A Bethel turnover in their defensive end would prove costly as the clock rolled under three minutes to play, with Emily Blackburn scoring off the turnover. Taleah Nool added a goal in the waning seconds, ending the half with consecutive goals scored.

The third quarter would be the highest scoring period of the game, as Marian came out strong with Ella Grace Giedd completing her hat trick with two consecutive goals. Bethel cut the Marian run with an Isabell Gerbrand score, but it wouldn't take long for Marian to get back on the board, with Nool and Martin scoring to drive the margin to eight. With a 12-4 lead at hand, Marian slowed their pace allowing Bethel to get back into the game, as the Pilots went on a 4-1 run in a 4:30 span to get within five goals. Before the quarter ended a foul was called against the Pilots, and as the clock expired Marian got a goal from Ashlynn Gray, who snapped toward the net off an Anna Moore pass. 

Gray's last second goal gave the Knights a 14-8 lead going into the fourth quarter, where they were able to eat clock and work their offense while out-scoring Bethel 3-1 in the period. Marian scored the first three goals of the final quarter with Lizzie Piercy, Giedd, and Blackburn scoring, ending Marian's total with 17. A late score from Bethel would put the final score at 17-9, as the Knights were able to coast the final minutes into the semifinals. 

Nine different Knights scored in the quarterfinal win, with Giedd leading the way with four goals while adding one assist. Ashlynn and Katelynn Gray each scored twice and won five draw controls, with Ashlynn dishing out two assists. Martin and Nool also scored two times, and Ruby Mason had two assists. Sarah Travis led the Knights with five ground balls and four caused turnovers.

In goal Hirsch recorded the win, logging first half action as she allowed three goals and did not record a save. Grace Coyne made two saves, playing second half action.

Marian's win advances them to the semifinals, where they will take on No. 2 seed Aquinas. The matchup in Grand Rapids will start at 5 p.m. on Thursday night.
MUKnights.com: Your online source for Marian Athletics, tickets, multimedia, Knight merchandise, photos and more.