Franklin, IN – The Aquinas women's lacrosse team opened its spring break slate with a battle against Franklin College. The Saints put together a strong performance and held a lead for much of the second and third quarters. However, a late push from the Grizzlies proved to be the difference as Franklin scored four goals in the fourth quarter to hand Aquinas a 14-11 loss.

Aquinas 11, Franklin 14

Franklin jumped out to a quick two-goal advantage to start the game, but Maizie Holmes answered for Aquinas to cut the deficit to 3-1. Just 11 seconds later, the Grizzlies added another goal, but Sophia Davis quickly responded for the Saints to bring the margin back to one. Holmes then buried her second goal of the game to even the score at 3-3. The two teams continued to trade goals late in the quarter as Davis added another goal and Holmes completed her hat trick, sending Aquinas into the second frame tied with Franklin, 5-5.

Addison Munn opened the second quarter in impressive fashion, finding the back of the net on back-to-back goals, one assisted by Davis and the other by Holmes. Audrianna Lienhart then delivered a key man-down goal, assisted by Holmes, to give Aquinas its largest lead of the night at 8-5. Franklin managed to add one late goal before halftime, sending the teams into the break with the Saints holding an 8-6 advantage.

The Grizzlies struck first in the second half, but Aquinas quickly answered as Munn and Davis each recorded goals to complete their hat tricks and push the Saints' lead to 10-7. Davis later capitalized on a free-position opportunity to extend the Aquinas advantage to 11-8. Franklin responded late in the quarter with three unanswered goals to tie the game at 11-11 heading into the final frame.

Both teams battled for control in the fourth quarter, but Franklin was able to find its offensive rhythm, scoring three straight goals to close out the game. Aquinas continued to apply pressure but was unable to break through in the final period as the Grizzlies secured the 14-11 victory.

Coaches Comments 

"I'm really proud of the way our team competed tonight. This is a young group, but they're incredibly resilient and they never stop fighting for each other" said head coach Marvin Hardy.
"What stands out most is how supportive they are as teammates — they truly play for the person next to them. We're continuing to grow every week, and we'll take what we learned tonight and keep getting better."

By the Numbers 

• Sophia Davis paved the way with four goals followed by Maizie Holmes and Addison Munn who each added three 

• Holmes helped facilitate the offence adding three assists, and Davis claimed two

• Holmes and Davis formed a dynamic duo on the draw, combining for 15 draw controls between them

• Holmes added six ground balls while Munn trailed with five 

• Aquinas dominated the draw claiming 18 compared to Franklin's nine 

• Samaya Dean stayed in goal for the full 60 minutes facing 37 shots and added 16 saves 

Up Next 

The Saints will look to bounce back as they continue their spring break trip, traveling to Appleton, Wisconsin to take on Lawrence tomorrow night (March 9) at 7:00 p.m.