ALBION, Mich. – Albion College clinched home field advantage for its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Women's Lacrosse Tournament semifinal contest, and now it will play for the regular season prize.
The Britons defeated Hope College, 12-8, on a rainy Saturday at Alumni Field.
Winners of eight in a row, Albion (12-3 overall, 7-0 MIAA) will travel to Notre Dame, Ind., on Friday for a contest against Saint Mary's College that will decide the league's regular season champion and the top seed for the tournament.
Darcy Muns scored twice, Abby Sheklow scored a goal and assisted on another, and Carly Schwarz dropped in an unassisted goal as Albion jumped out to a 4-1 lead just five minutes into the contest.
Albion's offense was able to generate one shot over the next six minutes as Hope rallied to forge a 4-4 tie. Rachel Elder, Carly Pieri and Jane Ragains scored for the Flying Dutch during the surge.
Albion didn't relinquish the lead as Sheklow, Schwarz and Muns scored to boost the margin to 7-4 at halftime.
Sheklow buried a free position shot early in the second half as Albion led, 8-4.
Albion led by as many as five when Chrystelle Lopez scored to make it 10-5 with 19 ½ minutes remaining.
Muns and Sheklow produced four goals and an assist apiece for Albion. Sheklow also grabbed six groundballs.
Schwarz stuffed the box score with two goals, two assists, seven groundballs, three caused turnovers and three draw controls.
Lopez chipped in with five groundballs and four caused turnovers.
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.