ALBION, Mich. – Albion College maintained a share of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association lead in women's lacrosse after eking out a thrilling 11-10 victory over Calvin College on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.
The victory, Albion's fourth in a row, lifts the Britons to 3-0 against MIAA rivals. The Britons share the MIAA lead with Hope College and Saint Mary's College.
The teams traded goals most of the day, however, Albion forged a 9-7 lead on Abby Sheklow's score with 14 minutes left.
Albion made the important offensive and defensive plays down the stretch to hang on for the victory.
Goalkeeper Jenina Villabroza made 19 saves, but the stop she made on Megan Gilbert's attempt protected Albion's 10-9 lead with 1:34 left.
Carly Schwarz used her speed to clear the ball after a timeout and she scored as the possession clock was winding down to give Albion a two-goal cushion with 14 seconds left.
Sarah Hall won the ensuing draw for Calvin and she carried the ball up the field to score the final goal with four seconds left.
Chrystelle Lopez led the Albion offense with three goals and two assists. Schwarz added three goals while controlling the draw three times and causing a pair of turnovers.
Darcy Muns and Abby Sheklow each chipped in with two goals and an assist.
While she did not factor in the scoring, Jade Barrett won possession for Albion by controlling the draw three times and causing three turnovers.
Albion, 8-3 overall, has a Wednesday night game at Alma College.
Twitter: @AlbionWLacrosse
Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality at Albion College. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.
The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu.
