MARQUETTE, Mich. - Today the Calvin women's lacrosse team wrapped up its early season trip up north when it fell to the Firebirds of Carthage College 14-10.
 
In the first period, the Knights came out on the attack as senior Morgan Bethard (DeWitt, Mich./DeWitt) scored back-to-back goals to give Calvin an early lead. However, the Firebirds found a spark of offense themselves when they retaliated with three goals to end the period and take a slim 3-2 lead over the Knights.
 
Both teams battled for momentum in the second period as they each scored four goals apiece with senior Audrey Booher (Fishers, Ind./Heritage Christian) netting three for Calvin while Bethard added one more to her total.
 
Entering the second half, Carthage created some distance when it outscored the Knights 5-2 in the third period. Senior Jacey Smith (Watertown, Wis./Watertown) was responsible for both the Calvin goals during the third with one coming on a man-up opportunity.
 
In the fourth period, Bethard and freshman midfielder Courtney Putnam (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon) both scored for Calvin as they tried to close the gap. However, Carthage produced two goals of its own in the final fifteen minutes and the deficit proved to be too great as the Knights fell 14-10.
 
Bethard finished with a team high four goals while also notching one assist. Booher ended the game with three goals and Putnam led the team with five draw controls. Junior Alex Petrusma (Milford, Mich./Milford) recorded a team high two caused turnovers while sophomore Corinne Plumb (St. Louis, Mo./Westminster Christian Academy) chipped in two assists. Junior goalkeeper Hannah Rizzo (Waterville, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) started the game for the Knights and recorded six saves while freshman goalkeeper Katie Dixon (Fishers, Ind./Heritage Christian) contributed three saves.
 
COACHES COMMENTS: "We had a successful trip and played some very competitive games," said head coach Blake Boehm. "We have a lot to work on but it's early in the season and we have plenty of time to make adjustments. We're excited to get back to work on Monday!"
 
UP NEXT: The Knights will be back in action on Saturday, February 21st when they welcome Grove City College to Zuidema Field for a 1 PM matchup.