The Aquinas women's lacrosse team hosted Cleary for a big WHAC matchup on Friday night (Apr. 2) at the AQ Athletic Field. A strong first half by the Saints surged them past the Cougars. Aquinas earned the win by a 17-13 score as AQ improved to 3-2 overall record, 2-1 WHAC.

Aquinas and Cleary both tallied two goals each to start the game. With two Aquinas yellow cards, the Cougars were able to net two man up goals. AQ rallied back, netting two goals of their own to tie the game at four a piece. 

The Saints scored two more (Alexis Villarini and Lauren Hansen) and Cleary scored one before Aquinas netted seven goals to close the half. Kennadie Minerich scored three of the seven for AQ. The Saints headed into the locker room with the big 11-5 lead. 

The Cougars came out of the locker room with energy outscoring the Saints 8-6 in the second half. Despite Cleary's strong offensive efforts, the Cougars were never able to come within three goals of the Saints. AQ's strong first half stood and the Saints grabbed the WHAC victory. The loss moves Cleary to 1-3 overall and 1-3 in conference play. 

Naomi Plant led the Saints with eight points, totaling four goals and four assists. Plant also finished with three ground balls and 10 draw controls. Minerich tallied five goals while adding three ground balls, three draw controls, and three caused turnovers. 

Lauren Hansen posted three goals and two ground balls. Carli Taylor added two goals and one assist for the Saints. Taylor also finished with four ground balls, three caused turnovers, and eight draw controls. Alyssa Chartier, Katelyn Hall, and Villarini each tallied a goal. Chartier also posted six ground balls while Villarini added three ground balls and two caused turnovers.

The Saints outshot the Cougars 33-30 and grabbed the advantage in draw controls (21-12) and ground balls (28-20). AQ goalkeeper Azariah Wells played the whole 60 minutes and finished with 10 saves and earned the win.

The Saints return to play next Saturday (Apr. 10) as AQ travels to Sylvania, Ohio to take on the Gray Wolves of Lourdes. The big WHAC contest is scheduled to start at 4:30 PM.