INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Lawrence Tech could not fully recover from Marian's fast start, as the Blue Devils dropped a 13-9 road decision after the Knights opened a 3-0 lead in the first quarter and added the final separating goal in the closing seconds. Marian set the tone early and never trailed, getting on the board with a man-up goal at the 8:00 mark of the first quarter. Marian led 6-4 at halftime and 9-6 after the third quarter, using a balanced attack.
Lawrence Tech answered in the second quarter and stayed within reach for much of the afternoon. Jocelyn Vander Zwaag scored in the second to put the Blue Devils on the board, trimming the margin to 3-1. Alyson Walendzak kept Lawrence Tech in the game throughout the second half, scoring four times on nine shots. One of those goals came in the third quarter to cut Marian's lead to 7-5, and her fourth came in the fourth quarter to bring the Blue Devils within 12-9.
Morgan Waligora turned in one of Lawrence Tech's strongest all-around efforts, posting one goal, three assists and a game-high 11 ground balls. Vander Zwaag added two goals and one assist. The Blue Devils generated volume offensively, finishing with 27 shots and 19 shots on goal, while also collecting 31 ground balls. Lawrence Tech split the draw battle competitively, finishing with 10 draw controls to Marian's 14. The difference came in efficiency and goal-tending. Marian scored 13 times on 21 shots and got 10 saves in cage, compared with four saves for Lawrence Tech. Lawrence Tech finished 13-for-13 on clears, but its comeback push was limited by Marian's ability to answer key Blue Devils goals.
Marian delivered the final response in the last minute. After Walendzak's late goal gave Lawrence Tech a chance at 12-9, the Knights closed the scoring with a man-down goal to set the final margin.
They are set to return home to compete against Bethel University at Blue Devil Stadium April 22.