After one quarter of play, the game was level.
But following a much-needed break to retool, reset and head back out onto the field with a gameplay in mind, the Ashland University women's lacrosse team never looked back.
On Friday, March 20, the Eagles traveled north to Allendale, Mich., to take on the Grand Valley State Lakers for a mid-season non-conference bout. The Eagles, who came in riding high off back-to-back shutouts, were able to pull off the win, 19-11.
The victory pushes the Eagles' winning streak to three straight, and also marks the first time in program history that they've beaten Grand Valley State.
After Grand Valley State tied the game at 4-4 late in the first, Ashland responded with a strong second period, outscoring the Lakers 6-1 to take a 10-5 lead into halftime.
Grand Valley State made a push in the third quarter, scoring five times to cut the deficit to just one at 11-10. However, Ashland quickly regained control in the fourth, erupting for eight goals while holding the Lakers to just one to seal the win.
Tori Wanat led the way for Ashland with five goals and three assists, while Ashley Fisher added four goals and four assists. Nataley Blackburn, Rachel Crumbacher, and Ashley Drexler each contributed three goals in the balanced offensive effort.
With the win, the Eagles move to 6-4 overall on the season and still remain undefeated in conference play at a mark of 2–0.
Up next, the Eagles will prepare to take on the Davenport Panthers on Sunday, March 22, at 12:00 p.m. EST. The two sides will clash in Caledonia, Mich., on the campus of Davenport University.
