FRANKLIN, Ind. - At Faught Stadium, the Adrian women's lacrosse team secured its first road win of 2022, defeating the homestanding Grizzlies of Franklin College, 16-8.
Olive Stevens turned in a breakout performance to pace the Bulldogs offense, posting a season-high seven goals on nine shots, marking the second-highest single-game total in the senior's career.
Carlee Casteel chipped in four points for the black and gold on three goals and one assist, her fourth effort of four or more points this season.
All told, the 'Dogs outshot Franklin 27-16, and were 10 percent better efficiently on clears.
The home side, though, got off to an early 2-0 lead after just 98 seconds, but over the subsequent three minutes, Adrian methodically drew level behind goals from Casteel and Stevens.
Franklin would restore its lead soon after. However, the Bulldogs went on to close the first quarter on a three-goal run, giving them a 5-3 lead after 15 minutes.
The action was not as eventful in the early stages of the second frame. The Grizzlies crept back to within one after a scoreless drought, and the score remained tight with halftime nearing. Then, an unassisted strike by
Cristin Culbertson sparked a four-goal stretch for the 'Dogs, bringing their advantage to 9-4.
Despite opening the second half with back-to-back goals by Stevens, Adrian still had some work to do to try and put the match away.
Four-straight goals by Franklin between the third and fourth quarters quickly brought the Grizzlies to the Bulldogs' doorstep. Nevertheless, Adrian kept its composure and rallied off five unanswered to seal the deal.
Along with Culbertson, the locals also tallied a goal each from
Delaynie Harris,
Joscelyn Potter,
Jenna Anheuser,
Lucia Commare and
Zoe Weber.
Between the pipes,
Emily Leuneberg got the nod from head coach
Kali Bills, recording three saves to help her garner her first-career victory in goal for Adrian.
The Bulldogs are not scheduled to return to action until Saturday, March 26 in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, where they will take on the Saints of Thomas More University.
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