CRESTVIEW HILLS, Kentucky — The Lake Erie women's lacrosse started their 2023 season against the Thomas More Saints on the road. The Storm were victorious in their season opener, defeating the Saints 15-7. This win for the Storm mark's head coach Gabby Jessup's first collegiate win. 

The first period ended in a 2-2 tie, with goals from Storm sophomore attacker Erin Snyder from freshman attacker Madelyn Goodrich, and graduate student midfielder Cynthia Saxby with another assist from Goodrich. 

The Storm outscored the Saints 3-1 in the second period, with goals from Saxby, assisted by junior attacker Cassidy Bourne, and two from sophomore midfielder Shannon Smith, one assisted by Goodrich. 

The third period was dominated by the Storm with six goals. Bourne started the period with three goals, all unassisted. Snyder and Shannon Smith each scored one more, and junior midfielder Emma Rhoades had her first goal of the season. Bourne also recorded another assist. 

The Saints tried to combat the Storm's unstoppable offense with one goal in the second and four in the fourth, but four more Storm goals secured the win for Lake Erie. Goodrich scored two in the fourth, one from Rhoades, finishing the match with two goals and three assists. Saxby scored again from a free position shot, finishing with three goals. Snyder also continued to score as she finished with three goals. 

Shannon Smith led the Storm in ground balls, picking up four. Sophomore midfielder Corinne Shimek and Saxby were right behind with three each. Shannon Smith also forced four turnovers against the Saints. 

Freshman Ainsley Sutter was in the goal for the Storm, recording five saves for the match. 

Head coach Jessup secured her first collegiate win, as she looks to a successful season with the Storm. 

The Storm play again on Sunday, February 26th for their home opener of the season. They will host the Daeman University Wildcats at 4 PM.