WHITTIER, Calif. – The Calvin University women's lacrosse team started its three-game swing through California during spring break with a 19-4 win at Whittier College on Saturday.
 
Rain and wind provided challenging elements for both teams to start the day, but Calvin (2-2) was unfazed throughout a dominant first quarter that set the tone for the rest of the game.
 
Meghan Chang (Clarksburg, Md./Clarksburg) put the Knights on the board 57 seconds into the first quarter with a goal that was assisted by Morgan Bethard (DeWitt, Mich./DeWitt), and Bethard followed with two goals in the next 2:21 of game action to push the Knights ahead 3-0.
 
Calvin would finish the quarter with a 9-0 lead, as Audrey Booher (Fishers, Ind./Heritage Christian) scored three goals, while Alex Petrusha (Milford, Mich./Milford), Kelly Ruha (New Hope, Minn./Robbinsville Armstrong) and Bethard each added one to close out the quarter.
 
After a Whittier (0-3) goal to start the second quarter, the Knights ran off another run of six straight goals to take a 15-1 lead into halftime. Ainsley Gothard (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston) scored three times in the quarter, while Jacey Smith (Watertown, Wis./Watertown) scored twice and Bethard added her fourth of the day.
 
The big halftime lead was more than enough cushion to hold on for the win, as Booher added two fourth-quarter tallies and both Bethard and Ruha each scored once to close out the scoring.
 
The Knights finished the day with a 36-13 edge in shots and a 17-5 advantage in draw controls. Booher led the way with five goals, nine shots (seven on goal), seven total points, 11 draw controls and nine ground balls in the win.
 
Bethard also finished with five goals to go with one assist, while Lainey Aldridge (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./Grosse Pointe North) tied Booher for the team lead with a pair of assists.
 
Margee Boelema (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian) saved seven Whittier shots in goal for Calvin.

COACH'S COMMENT: "Great start to spring break," Calvin head women's lacrosse coach Blake Boehm said. "We played fast and aggressive. We moved the ball efficiently and communicated well. Looking forward to a great week and our game on Monday!."
 
NEXT UP: Calvin women's lacrosse returns to action on Monday, March 4, when it plays at Occidental College in a game scheduled to start at 5:00 PM (PST).