Marquette University
8-1
Eastern Michigan
1-6
WLAX Downs Eastern Michigan 18-5
3/24/2023 12:07:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Golden Eagles match last season's win total with record-setting defensive performance
YPSILANTI, Mich. — The Marquette women's lacrosse team (8-1, 0-0 BIG EAST) picked up a dominant road victory Friday morning, defeating Eastern Michigan 18-5 at Scicluna Field.
The Golden Eagle defense was the highlight of the performance as MU recorded a program-record 20 caused turnovers and allowed just eight shots, the fewest allowed in team history.
The Golden Eagles took charge early and never looked back, playing the majority of the contest with a running clock and a double-digit lead to build on its best-ever start and improve to a perfect 4-0 on the road.
Eight different Marquette players scored in the contest, led by four-goal performances from attackers Emma Soccodato and Meg Bireley. While tying her career high of four goals, Soccodato also filled the stat sheet with four ground balls, three draw controls and three caused turnovers.
After five scoreless minutes to open the game, the Golden Eagles got rolling with four quick goals in the next four minutes. They took a 6-2 lead into the first quarter break, then blew things open with an 8-0 second quarter. The game had a running clock from the 10:28 mark of the second quarter onward with MU holding a 10-plus goal lead the rest of the way.
Senior attacker Mary Schumar, who entered the contest second in the NCAA in assists per game, added on four more to her season total to go along with a pair of goals. Leigh Steiner, Shea Garcia and Lydia Foust each finished with two goals apiece as well, while freshmen Tess Osburn and Isabelle Casucci each found the back of the net once.
Marquette won the draw control battle 16-9, led by four draws from senior Ellie Henry.
In net for MU, sophomore Brynna Nixon and freshman Ava Sprinkel split time, Nixon playing the first half and Sprinkel playing the second.
Eastern Michigan was led by Mackenzie Blackwell, who had a team-high two goals and five draw controls.
UP NEXT: The Golden Eagles remain in Michigan as they travel to Mount Pleasant to face Central Michigan on Sundayi at 11 a.m. (CT). Links for live stats and stream will be available on gomarquette.com.
Keep up with the Marquette women's lacrosse program all season long through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWLax) and Instagram (@MarquetteWLax) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWLax).
