ALMA, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College women's lacrosse team defeated Alma 17-11 in the MIAA opener on Saturday (Apr. 6).
Kalamazoo jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first quarter before Alma scored its first goal with about a minute left. The Hornets scored another goal with 14 seconds left to be up by five. The two teams traded the first six goals in the second quarter as Kalamazoo led 9-4 with six minutes left. The Hornets put away the final two goals of the half to lead 11-4 at halftime.
After Alma scored the first goal of the third quarter, Kalamazoo scored the next two for an eight-goal advantage. The Scots got the two goals back before the end of the quarter. However, the Hornets put some distance between them and Alma by scoring four of the first five goals in the fourth quarter for a 17-8 lead. The Scots attempted a big comeback but only scored the final three goals.
Kalamazoo outshot Alma 36-23, including 28-17 on goal. Kalamazoo won 17 of the 31 draws and was successful on 13 of its 18 clear attempts. Kalamazoo caused 10 of Alma's 23 turnovers, and both teams picked up 21 ground balls.
Hannah Heeren filled the stat sheet with seven goals, an assist, 16 draw controls, three ground balls, and a caused turnover. Tessa Fuller also had a good game with four goals, four assists, three ground balls, a draw control, and a caused turnover.
Sophie Hartl finished with two goals, two assists, four ground balls, and three caused turnovers. Ella Spooner scored four goals and Jordan Doyle added an assist. Jordan Flink recorded six saves in goal.
Kalamazoo is scheduled to be back in action on Wednesday, Apr. 10, at Calvin.