Women’s lacrosse team beats Siena Heights, 13-8, for first win of season

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's lacrosse team defeated Siena Heights University, 13-8, for its first win of the season tonight at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

Freshman Geri Merrell (Battle Creek/Lakeview) scored the first goal of the game only one minute and 19 seconds into the game. The Saints came back to take a 2-1 lead after scoring two goals in a span of 40 seconds. Olivet tied the game at 2-2 when freshman Mimi Garza (Battle Creek/Pennfield) found the back of the goal with 20:12 left in the opening half.

There was no scoring for almost 14 minutes of game time, and senior Cara VanDam (Grand Rapids/City) broke the drought with an unassisted tally at the 6:37 mark. Freshman Taylor Guarnaccia (East Lansing/Haslett) gave Olivet a two-goal lead just 27 seconds later. That would stay the margin at the break, 4-2.

The Comets scored the first four goals of the second half to take an 8-2 lead. The goals were scored by four different players. Siena Heights added a goal before senior Nicole Wernette (Remus/Chippewa Hills) had a pass down the middle of the field to Merrell, who buried a shot into the goal. After the Saints made the score 9-4, the teams traded two-goal scoring runs for the final six goals of the game.

Olivet was led by Guarnaccia, who scored four goals on five shots. Garza had three goals. Merrell, VanDam and senior Cortney Wernette (Remus/Chippewa Hills) finished with two goals apiece. In net, freshman Sarah Shaw (Grand Haven) faced 20 shots and made five saves, while playing all 60 minutes.

The Comets return to the field tomorrow when they travel to play Davenport University at 4 p.m.