Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas women's lacrosse team continues to show just how much they have grown, battling through a challenging conference slate with resilience and determination. Despite competing with a short roster, the Saints have continued to fight for every possession and every opportunity, never backing down. That effort was on full display as Aquinas pushed through adversity in a hard-fought conference matchup, showing the grit and progress that has defined its season. 

Aquinas 7, Bethel 9

The opening quarter unfolded as a defensive battle, with neither side able to create much separation early. Bethel broke through at the 10-minute mark, capitalizing on a man-up opportunity to take a 1-0 lead. The Saints answered late in the frame when Sophia Davis found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1. However, the Pilots responded in the final minute to reclaim a 2-1 advantage heading into the second quarter.

Bethel found its rhythm in the second, stringing together four straight goals to extend its lead to 6-1. Aquinas refused to fold, as Davis halted the run with a goal assisted by Maizie Holmes. Vanessa Bailey followed with a goal of her own off a pass from Davis, and Davis capped the half with a free-position finish to pull the Saints within two at 6-4.

The Pilots struck first again in the third to go up 7-4, but Davis answered once more to keep Aquinas within striking distance at 7-5. Both teams dug in defensively the rest of the quarter, battling for ground balls and limiting scoring chances as the period closed without another goal.

Bethel added to its lead early in the fourth, scoring just 20 seconds in and later converting a man-down opportunity to move ahead 9-5. Holmes converted an eight-meter attempt for her first goal of the game, and Davis added another free-position goal to bring the Saints back within two at 9-7. Aquinas continued to push until the final whistle, but the comeback effort came up short as the Saints fell in a competitive conference contest.

Coaches Comments 

"We dug ourselves a hole with poor transition and too many turnovers early, and against a good team that's hard to overcome," said head coach Marvin Hardy. "But our group showed a ton of grit—we fought back from 5-1 and made it a game late. That toughness is who we are. Now it's about cleaning up the details."

By the Numbers 

• Sophia Davis led the Saints with five goals, Maize Holmes and Vanessa Bailey each added one 

• Holmes and Davis each claimed one assist

• Davis led with five ground balls, then Bailey with four 

• Davis, Holmes, and Audrianna Lienhart each came up with four draw controls 

• Davis and Holmes both went 100% on their free position shots

• Emersyn Gaitan played all 60 minutes and had 10 saves

Up Next 

The Saints will hit the road on Saturday, March 21, to take on conference opponent Madonna University at 11:00 a.m.