THE BASICS

Score: Madonna University 12, Aquinas College 16
Records: Madonna (0-1, 0-0 WHAC), Aquinas (1-1, 0-0 WHAC)
Location: AQ Athletic Field, Grand Rapids, Mich.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -  The Madonna University Women's Lacrosse team fell 16-12 in its season debut Saturday afternoon to Aquinas College (Mich.) at the AQ Athletic Field. Though both are Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference opponents, this game is counted as a non-conference match.

The Saints strung together a 3-0 run to start the first half before three-straight Madonna scores from junior Valarie Patterson, freshman Aria Gettel, and junior Madeleine Caswell knotted things up at 3-3 heading into the final ten minutes of the half. Junior Christy Battersby and freshman Arianna Rivera punched two into the back of the net but the Crusaders ultimately trailed at half

The Saints came out firing in the second half, going on a 8-1 scoring run as Gettel notched her second of the day to break up the streak. Junior Brittney Leist, freshman Taylor Vitori, and Gettel a third time sent Madonna on a 3-0 run of its own.

In the final minutes, Battersby, Patterson, and Gettel's goal were not enough to overcome the deficit. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Crusaders forced a total of 29 possessions through the game compared to Madonna's 23
• Madonna was able to generate opportunities with 20 draw controls and 10 free position shots, edging the Saints in both categories

UP NEXT

• Madonna will stay home for its home opener on Tuesday, March 16 against Ottawa University (Kan.). 

CONNECT WITH THE CRUSADERS: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
SUBSCRIBE/DOWNLOAD TEAM SCHEDULES: Download Center
DOWNLOAD THE NEW MOBILE APP: Google Play | iOS