Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas College women's lacrosse team continues to push through a demanding conference slate, battling injuries, fatigue, and a limited roster while showing resilience each time they take the field. Despite their effort and determination, the Saints fell to the Indiana Tech Warriors, 18–4, on Saturday (March 28).

Aquinas 4, Indiana Tech 18

Aquinas Saints started the game with possession as Audrianna Lienhart secured the opening draw control, but Indiana Tech Warriors quickly built momentum. The Warriors struck first with two early goals before Vanessa Bailey gained possession on a draw control that set up Maizie Holmes for a shot, which was turned away by the Indiana Tech goalkeeper.

Indiana Tech continued its early surge, adding two more goals to extend the lead to 4–0. Holmes responded with another draw control and Mya Chickering forced a turnover defensively, but the Saints were unable to convert the opportunity. The Warriors added three more goals late in the quarter while Emersyn Gaitan recorded a save, sending Aquinas into the second quarter trailing 7–0.

Gaitan opened the second quarter with another stop before Indiana Tech pushed the lead to 8–0. Bailey answered by securing another draw control, leading to Violet Mead's unassisted goal that put the Saints on the board. Shortly after, Addison Munn found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 8–2.

Indiana Tech responded quickly, scoring three straight goals to stretch the lead to nine. Holmes forced another turnover in an attempt to slow the Warriors' attack, but Indiana Tech added four more goals before halftime, sending the teams into the break with the Saints trailing 15–2.

The second half opened with renewed defensive energy from Aquinas, as the Saints held the Warriors scoreless for nearly six minutes before Indiana Tech added its 16th goal. Sophia Davis nearly added a score for Aquinas but struck the post, sending the ball back into Warrior possession.

Samaya Dean entered in goal and helped slow Indiana Tech's offense with two quick saves. The Warriors added just one more goal in the third quarter to take a 17–2 lead into the final frame.

Davis continued to attack in the fourth quarter and converted a free-position opportunity to make the score 17–3. Bailey followed with another goal for Aquinas, giving the Saints their fourth of the game. Dean added two more saves down the stretch and Lorelei Weinrick collected a ground ball, but Indiana Tech found the net in the final seconds to seal the 18–4 decision.

Coach's Comments

"I'm proud of the way our group keeps showing up and competing," said head coach Marvin Hardy. "We're dealing with a lot right now — injuries, a short bench, and a tough conference schedule — but the effort and fight from these players never wavers. We're continuing to grow each game, and that resilience will pay off for us as the season moves forward."

By the Numbers

• Mead, Bailey, Davis, and Munn each added one goal for AQ

• Chickering lead with four ground balls followed by Leinhart, Davis, and Weinrick who had three a piece 

• Bailey added two caused turnovers and Holmes added one 

• Bailey led on the circle with four draw controls, Holmes and Davis each had three 

Up Next  

The Saints will hit the road on April 4th to take on Lawrence Tech at 1:00 p.m. for another conference showdown.