CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University women's lacrosse team defeated the Lake Erie College Storm 17-9 on Saturday evening in the team's Morgan's Message Game. The Pioneers are now 9-2 on the season, while the Storm falls to 1-9. In the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), Malone improves to 3-1 and Lake Erie drops to 0-4. 
 
The first period was a great start for the Pioneers as they took the quarter with a 5-3 lead with goals from Olivia Marcantonio, Ashtyn Praeter, Abbey Burns, Emma Weintz, and Alana Samek. Lake Erie struggled against Malone's defense as they recorded eight turnovers in the period. The Pioneers had 85% (6-for-7) of their shots on goal during the quarter. 
 
The second quarter was a slow one offensively for Malone as they had Caroline Bobo and Cam English score the only two goals of the period for a 7-3 Pioneer lead going into halftime. Malone did finish the second quarter with an 80% (8-for-10) on their clears and had 60% (3-for-5) of their shots on cage. The defense kept Lake Erie scoreless for the entire period.
 
The Pioneers came out of halftime flying as they went on a 6-2 goal run, with Meg Ridgway earning two goals in the third period. The Pioneers dominated in the circle as they won 66% (6-for-9) of the draws in the quarter. Malone also when 50% (1-for-2) on free-position shots.
 
In the fourth period, the Storm tried to rally together for a comeback, but Bobo sealed the game for the Pioneers with a last-minute goal to ultimately give Malone a 17-9 victory over Lake Erie. The Pioneers dominated the circle once again, winning 75% (6-for-8) of the draws in the final quarter. 
 
The Pioneers' offense was led by Ridgeway, Praeter, and Samek as they all recorded a hat trick each. They were followed by English (2), Bobo (2), Burns (2), Weintz (1), and Marcantino (1). Burns led Malone at the circle, securing seven draws.
 
Goalkeeper Sydney Atkinson (9-2) stood tall in the goal for the Pioneers, recording a 47% (8-for-17) save rate between the pipes. Other standouts defensively included Samantha Williams (4), English (3) and Sarah Bricker (3) with a combined 10 of the team's 15 caused turnovers. Atkinson brought in a team-high five ground balls and Regan Blythe collected four.
 
The Malone University women's lacrosse team will continue Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) action as they travel to Crestview Hills, Kentucky on April 4 to take on the Thomas More University Saints at 3:00 P.M.