PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- The Lake Erie women's lacrosse team battled the University of Findlay on Friday afternoon, exiting with a 17-5 loss. After a scoreless opening five minutes, the Oilers were the first to get on the board while providing stellar defense against the Storm attack, limiting LEC to just two shots as it trailed 4-0 after one period.
Two more goals from the visitors pushed the score to 6-0, but Rachel Rose put Lake Erie on the board, marking back-to-back games with a goal for the sophomore. The Oilers quickly extended their advantage back to six, but then it was LeAnna Waters' turn to find the net, as she finished a Claire Varvel pass to perfection. However, the Storm entered halftime trailing 9-2 with work to do after the break.
The third period started on a positive note, as Claire Varvel opened the scoring with the third goal of her career. Unfortunately for Lake Erie, that is when Findlay began to pull away, as five consecutive goals gave the Oilers a 14-3 lead with under 10 minutes remaining in the contest.
Top Storm scorers Brooke McNeal and Gabriella Adie were each able to add to their season totals in the final period, as McNeal moved up to 21 goals on the year while Adie reached 15.
Notables
Avery Artino recorded her 200th career save, as the senior needed just three entering the game and recorded five in the first period alone. Save No. 200 came on a free-position attempt, making the milestone even more impressive.
Freshman Claire Varvel had an active day on the offensive end, recording her first collegiate assist while also scoring on one of her two shots for her third goal of the season.
The Storm were excellent on draw controls, finishing with a 13-10 advantage in that category for their best showing of the season.
Findlay showcased its athleticism in transition, as defense quickly turned into offense with relative ease. The Oilers went a perfect 17-for-17 on clear attempts, helping set up a 32-13 advantage in shots.
Interestingly, both sides combined to go 0-for-8 on free-position shots.
Looking Ahead
With four games remaining, the Storm next head to Buffalo, New York, to battle D'Youville on Tuesday, April 7, before returning to Painesville for their final home game of the season on Wednesday, April 8.
The Saints played Findlay earlier this season and fell by a 14-9 final. They also defeated Davenport 14-12 back in February, while the Storm fell to the same opponent by a score of 22-2.
D'Youville features a well-balanced scoring attack, but its main strength comes on draw controls. Despite a 4-5 record, the Saints have posted a 158-73 edge in starting possessions. Senior Lauren Parker leads the way in that department with 104 draw controls on her own.
