PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- The Lake Erie women's lacrosse team battled Northwood on Wednesday evening, exiting with a 13-7 loss. Gabriella Adie scored within the opening minute to give the Storm a strong start, but that would unfortunately be their only goal of the first period, as they trailed 5-1.

However, the beginning of the second period was much more promising, as Brooke McNeal and Rachel Rose each found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 6-3, where it remained until midway through the quarter. Three goals by the Timberwolves pushed the visitors ahead 9-3 heading into halftime.

Another three goals from Northwood extended the lead to 12-3, and despite 10 shots in the period, Lake Erie struggled to generate consistent offense to stay within reach. That changed late in the quarter, as McNeal scored twice to avoid a 10-goal deficit and running clock, giving LEC momentum heading into the final 15 minutes.

Entering the fourth down 12-5, Lake Erie tightened up defensively, limiting the Timberwolves to just three shots, all of which went wide, opening the door for a potential comeback. McNeal notched her fourth goal of the game, and freshman LeAnna Waters added her first, but it proved to be too little, too late as Northwood secured its first win of the season while the Storm fell to 1-10.

Notables

Isabella Morales was a force defensively, causing six turnovers and collecting seven ground balls, both game highs. The last time a Storm player recorded more caused turnovers in a game was two seasons ago, when Shannon Smith accomplished the feat before going on to win G-MAC Defensive Player of the Year the following season.

Brooke McNeal continues to be an all-around workhorse for the Storm, as her four goals bring her team-leading total to 20 on the season. She also caused three turnovers and picked up four ground balls.

Lindsey Sutter dished out the only two assists of the night for LEC, upping her total to five this season, a team-high. 

Avery Artino recorded five saves in the first half, bringing her career total to 197 as she closes in on the 200 mark.

Looking Ahead

With five games remaining, women's lacrosse returns home Friday to face Findlay. The Oilers are 4-5 this season but 2-0 in G-MAC play, with wins over Malone (11-5) and Walsh (12-6). They are led offensively by juniors Rebecca Chmiel and Karissa Allbright, who have combined for 38 of the team's 78 goals. In net, two sophomores have split time, both ranking in the top four of the G-MAC in save percentage.