KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In a game the Kalamazoo College women's lacrosse team had to have to remain in contention for a birth in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association postseason tournament, the Hornets prevailed in a tight back and forth affair with the visitors from St. Mary's College.
Nicole Huff provided the spark Kalamazoo needed on its way to an 8-7 victory from the get go.
The junior from Paw Paw recorded a hat trick in the first 22 minutes of the game and allowed the Hornets to jump out to a 3-1 lead.
After St. Mary's countered with a goal of its own to come within one of the Hornets, Cecilia DiFranco and Da Bin Lee picked up a goal apiece to close out the half. Both goals were assisted by Amanda Moss and the teams headed to halftime with a 5-2 lead in favor of the Hornets.
The Belles threatened to level the score multiple times in the second half, but the Hornets never backed down and always had an answer.
Goalie Katie Johnson played a strong full game for the Hornets but came up even bigger for the team in the second half making eight saves. She ended the night with 14 total saves.
Huff led the offense recording five total goals while Moss recorded four assists.
Hannah Meyers picked up a team high four ground balls for Kalamazoo in midfield.
Kalamazoo, currently in fourth place in the MIAA, will travel to Adrian to close out the regular season on Saturday, April 30. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.