Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Saints faced off against the Concordia Cardinals this afternoon (Apr. 3) who began receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Poll released this morning. The two sides traded goals to start the game, but a CUAA run in the second half proved to be the difference in the game.

The result moves AQ to 2-2 in conference play while the Cardinals improved to 3-3.

(RV) Concordia 16, Aquinas 11

Kennadie Minerich and Katelyn Hall highlighted the first quarter for AQ as Minerich picked up a hat trick of goals and Hall assisted a pair – one to Minerich and another to Sophia Schmader. After flexing Minerich's hat trick, the Saints boasted an early 4-3 lead.

Concordia put Aquinas on its heels with a five-goal run following AQ's fourth goal to double-up the Saints' score. However, Trinity Reynoso gave the hosts some momentum going into halftime with an unassisted goal.

Aquinas came out swinging in the second half as Reynoso, Hall, and Minerich all found the back of the net to start the second half. Minerich assisted the goals to Hall and Reynoso, giving her three points within a one-minute window.

That would be the closest that AQ would get to taking the lead back. CUAA scored eight unanswered goals to take a 16-8 lead with 8:35 left to play. Minerich netted her fifth goal of the contest and Shaylin Rings scored a pair of unassisted goals, but the late offense proved to be too little as the clock struck zeros.

By the Numbers

Concordia played a strong game, doubling AQ's shots (40-20) and winning more draw controls (17-13).

Minerich had another good game for the Saints as she ended her day with five goals, two assists, two ground balls, and a caused turnover.

Hall (3), Rings (2), Reynoso (2), and Schmader (2) accounted for all of Aquinas' points today.

Kennedy Stilson made 10 saves in net for a 38.5% save percentage.

Up Next

The Saints hit the road this weekend for a busy two games. AQ will take on Bethel on Saturday (Apr. 6) at 10:00 a.m. and No. 7 Indiana Tech on Sunday (Apr. 7) at noon.