Women's lacrosse team begins MIAA play with 13-9 loss at Albion

ALBION, Mich. – The Olivet College women's lacrosse team began Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play with a 13-9 loss at Albion College tonight inside Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium in Albion.

The Britons built a 3-1 lead only seven minutes and 40 seconds into the game. Sophomore Geri Merrell (Battle Creek/Lakeview) scored three straight goals to put the Comets ahead for the first time, 4-3. Sophomore Mimi Garza (Battle Creek/Pennfield) continued Olivet's run to make the score 5-3 with 14:20 left in the opening half.

Albion found the back of the net for three straight goals to take a 6-5 lead. Sophomore Taylor Guarnaccia (East Lansing/Haslett) scored a free-position goal to tie the game, 6-6, with 1:44 left in the opening half. The score stayed 6-6 at the break.

The Britons scored the first six goals of the second half for a 12-6 lead. The Comets used a 3-0 run to trim their deficit in half, 12-9, with a little less than six minutes left in the game, but they would not get any closer.

Merrell led the way for Olivet with five goals, 10 shots, eight shots-on-goal and two caused turnovers. Guarnaccia had two goals and one assist for three points to go along with five shots and three groundballs. Garza scored two goals. In the net, sophomore Sarah Shaw (Grand Haven) faced 30 Albion shots and made 10 saves.

The Comets will host University of Mount Union (Ohio) Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. It will also be the second game of a lacrosse doubleheader, as the Olivet men play Albion at 1 p.m.