Belles Stymied by Blue Streaks

Box Score

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The Saint Mary's lacrosse team played solidly but was unable to generate enough offense against John Carroll as the visiting Blue Streaks claimed the contest by a 20-9 score.

lacrosse huddleJohn Carroll was able to establish a 4-0 lead through the opening 12 minutes of play before the Belles broke through for their first goal of the game. Hanna Makowski won the draw control after the Blue Streaks' fourth goal, and the Belles settled into a solid offensive possession. A handful of passes and a minute and a half later, Sarah Neeser found Hanna Makowski wide open, and Makowski put home the Belles' first goal with 16:47 left in the first half.

Despite some good looks at goal, the Belles had trouble finding the back of the net as John Carroll extended their lead to 10-1 with just over nine minutes left in the half. Saint Mary's was able to stop the scoring run with under seven minutes left in the half. Kristen Whalen caused a turnover on a clear attempt and scooped up the ground ball. A half of a minute later, Emilie Vanneste found Clare Theisen for the freshman's first goal of the game to make it a 10-2 score.

The score was unchanged until the Belles made a late push in the half to double their goal output in the period. Katlynn Dee drew a charging call to get the ball back in the Belles' possession with a minute and a half to go before the break. Vanneste and Theisen then teamed up for their second consecutive assist and goal with 27 seconds left on the clock. Theisen then won the ensuing draw control, sprinted into the offensive end, and lobbed a pass over the last defender to Hanna Makowski for a quick goal just 11 seconds later to make it 10-4.

The Blue Streaks tallied the first goal of the second half, but the Belles were able to come back with a goal by Clare Theisen after John Carroll was whistled for a yellow card.

Four consecutive goals by the Blue Streaks, however, made it a 15-5 with 17:31 left in the game.

The Belles continued to battle late in the game. Clare Theisen had the space advantage after a free position attempt was awarded to the Belles, and she used that space to find Sarah Neeser for a goal with just under 15 minutes remaining. Three minutes later, Hanna Makowski edged the Belles within eight with a free position goal to make it 15-7.

After the Blue Streaks stopped the Belles from going on a run with a goal with 9:16 to go, Emilie Vanneste quickly lit up the scoreboard for Saint Mary's on an unassisted goal with 8:48 on the clock. John Carroll, however, came back three more goals to regain a sizable lead.

Hanna Makowski rolled behind the crease and cut into the 8-meter area before firing a shot from close distance to register her ninth goal of the game and make it 19-9 with 2:01 left in the game. The Blue Streaks added a late goal for the final 20-9 margin of victory. Clare Theisen had a last-second shot from just outside the crease go just off the mark prior to the final whistle.

Hanna Makowski led the Belles with a season-high four goals. Clare Theisen had a team-high five points with three goals and two assists while leading all players with eight draw controls. Emilie Vanneste added a goal and two assists, and Sarah Neeser scored a goal and assisted on another.

Katlynn Dee keyed the defense with six ground balls and five caused turnovers. Shannon Weyer made five saves in goal for the Belles.

Saint Mary's (3-4) has a short turnaround as they host Loras on Monday, March 30 starting at 4:30 p.m.

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