BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. - The Madonna Crusaders opened up their 2023 season by hosting the Calvin University Knights at Detroit Country Day High School's facility in Bloomfield Hills. In their first game without two of the top scorers in program history, the Crusaders were still trying to find their rhythm. They would be led by senior Mia Dyson and junior Katie Potter, each with two goals, but it would not be enough to overcome the Knights who would take a 12-4 victory over the Crusaders. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Knights took an early 2-0 lead in the opening minutes of the first period. With six minutes left in the first quarter, a penalty by the Knights would lead to the first goal of the Crusaders' season, as senior Mia Dyson scored off of a free-position shot. The Knights would score once more before the end of the quarter to make it a 3-1 game. Dyson would score her second goal early in the second period with an assist from junior Zoe Zdunczyk to cut the deficit to one goal. However, the Knights would go on a run before halftime to take a 6-2 lead.

The Knights would continue to roll in the second half, extending their lead to 9-2 by the end of the third quarter. In the final two minutes of the game, junior Katie Potter would score twice for the Crusaders. Her first goal came off of an assist from Madi Conrad, and her second she did it all herself. However, it would end up being too little too late as the Knights would secure a 12-4 victory over the Crusaders.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Dyson and Potter each scored two goals.
• Zdunczyk and Conrad each had one assist.
• Goalie Hannah Dickson recorded 14 saves.

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will host the No. 10 Aquinas College Saints at home on Sunday, February 18th at 2:00 pm in their first conference matchup of the season.