ADRIAN, Mich. - On Wednesday evening, the visiting Polar Bears of Ohio Northern utilized an 11-2 advantage in the second half to pull away from the Adrian women's lacrosse team, 18-7.
In the Bulldogs (0-1) season-opener, the senior trio of
Olive Stevens,
Cristin Culbertson and
Carlee Casteel combined to score six of the local's seven goals, including a four-goal effort by the latter of the three.
Freshman,
Maggie Bean tallied her first-career goal to round out the 'Dogs' scoring, while Stevens contributed the home side's two lone assists.
Things got off to a shaky start for the black and gold, as the Bears sent two quick scores into the back of the net over the game's first five minutes. Adrian, however, kept its composure, drawing a series of free position opportunites that Stevens and Casteel would ultimately capitalize on to draw the match level at 2-2.
After a four-goal stretch by Ohio Northern to restore its lead, the Bulldogs came back with a leg of goals of their own. The first two of which coming off the stick of Casteel, followed by a man-up strike by Culbertson in the final minutes to cut the deficit down to 7-5 at the half.
In the second half, the Bears turned the momentum in their favor, driving the game well out of Adrian's reach.
All told, the visitors finished with 32 total shots to the Bulldogs' 18, while the host's closed the evening with a narrow 24-23 advantage in ground balls.
Avery Huxter made her first-even start in goal for Adrian, stopping seven shots.
The 'Dogs face a swift turnaround as they are set to host Ohio Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.
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