The Aquinas women's lacrosse team overcame a three-goal deficit and netted the final three goals on Sunday (Apr. 18) in Livonia, as the Saints took down Madonna by a 14-13 overtime score. Trailing 13-11, AQ scored a pair of goals late in the second half to force overtime and Kennadie Minerich netted the game-winner on the Saints' lone offensive possession in the extra period.
 
With the victory, Aquinas improves to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in WHAC play. The Saints also move to 3-0 on the road this season. They defeated Madonna for the second time this year, winning a non-conference matchup against the Crusaders on Mar. 13 at home. Madonna's season is likely over, after the team fell to 2-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
 
Things started off well for AQ, scoring the first two goals on tallies from Lauren Hansen and Cierra Davis in the opening three minutes. However, Madonna ran off the next five goals for a 5-2 lead. The Saints scored back-to-back goals by Davis and Brianna Trepins to make it a 6-5 game at the half.
 
Trepins, Davis, and Minnerich scored three straight goals in the second half, as AQ regained a 9-8 lead. It would become an 11-9 edge after an Alyssa Chartier goal and another Hansen tally with 14:33 remaining. Again, Madonna answered with four straight goals and a 13-11 advantage with 5:31 to play.
 
The Crusaders would not score again. Minerich made it a one-goal game at the 4:20 mark with her second goal and Hansen tied the score at 13-13 with 79 seconds left.
 
In overtime, Madonna quickly took possession after an early turnover by AQ and had two good looks on free position shots. Neither would get past goalie Azariah Wells, who saved the first and deflected the second, getting the ball bak to the Saints. Minnerich was able to put in her third goal of the game with only 44 seconds to play for the golden goal, sealing the comeback victory.
 
Hansen notched five goals on six shots on goal and caused two turnovers. Minerich collected three goals and three assists, while adding four groundballs and three draw controls. Davis also scored three times for the Saints.
 
Trepins added two goals and three groundballs, while Carli Taylor posted six groundballs, five caused turnovers, and three draw controls. Naomi Plant picked up four draw controls and an assist and Amelia Bartels tallied three draw controls and two caused turnovers.
 
Wells stopped 14 shots for her seventh double-digit save effort this season. 
 
It appears the Saints will host a WHAC Tournament quarterfinal game this Tuesday (Apr. 20) at the AQ Athletic Field, though Aquinas must wait until the official tournament pairings have been released by the league office.