KENOSHA Wis.  — To open the 2024 season, the Carthage College women's lacrosse team defeated Marian (Wis.) 9-3 on a Sunny afternoon at Art Keller Field. 

• Final score: Carthage 9 - Marian (Wis.) 3
• Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin - Art Keller Field
• Records: Carthage 1-0, Marian (Wis.) 0-2

 

• The Firebirds struck first with a goal from August Claridge just 1:42 into the contest. This was Claridge's first goal in her career as a Firebird.
• Soon after a timeout from Carthage, Marian evened the score with a goal. However, on the next possession, Carthage fired back with two goals from Claridge and Piper LeFevre. Carthage led 3-1 after one. 
• After a slow start to the second quarter, Lefevre scored her second goal of the game.
• The Sabres quickly retaliated and cut into the deficit with a goal. 
• Following an unsuccessful free position attempt by Marian, the Firebirds held control of the ball for the remainder of the quarter, closing the first half with a score of 4-2. 
• To start the second half, Carthage's Bailey Koestel netted her first career goal as a Firebird, moving the score to 5-2. 
• 5:10 into the third, Claridge earned her third goal of the competition. 
• Carthage began the final quarter with a sufficient four-point margin. 
• Lefevre stretched the Firebirds' lead with her third goal of the game. 
• Kaitlyn Goff shortly followed suit with a goal, which made her the third freshman to score their first goal in this contest. 
• Quickly following the back-to-back goals for the Firebirds, the visitors scored their first goal of the half. 
• Koestel added another goal as Carthage came out on top 9-3.

• August Claridge and Piper LeFevre led the Firebirds with three goals apiece. 
• Bailey Koestel added two goals, while Kaitlyn Goff totaled a goal and an assist. 
• In goal, Alessandra Almendarez made two saves, and Kara Jaynes made one for Carthage on the day. 
• Defensively, Hannah Kim caused four turnovers and had seven ground balls. 
• Sydney Kuyava added five ground balls, and three caused turnovers. 

"This was a really good team win for us today. This was a learning game for us, but I'm excited to see some of our first looks. We had many players show up in big ways for us today. Hannah Kim was really pivotal on defense with ground balls and causing turnovers. Kaitlyn Goff in the midfield was really helpful in our transition, along with a goal and an assist. Piper LeFevre and August Claridge showed up with three goals on the board. I'm very proud of our goalkeepers today, with Alessandra Almendarez and Kara Jaynes making great saves in goal. Overall, great showing all around. I'm looking forward to our next game against St. Mary's."


 

• Carthage hits the road playing St. Mary's (Ind.) on Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m. EST.