ST. LOUIS – Led by four goals from senior Mack Miller, the sixth-ranked Missouri Baptist University women's lacrosse team reigned victorious over (RV) Marian University 13-9 on Friday (Feb. 14).

The Spartans drew first blood with two quick bullets from Kiersten Lang within seven minutes of the first quarter. She was assisted by junior Skyler Morrissey and 2024 NAIA First Team All-American Lydia Cornett.

MBU's defense left the Knights scoreless for the entire first quarter, but Marian responded with a goal just under a minute into the second period.

The Knights eventually took the lead 4-2 before Cornett netted a goal of her own off an assist from Miller, bringing the score to 4-3.

After the Spartans closed the gap, Marian added two more to the board, but not without a fight from MBU's midfield and defense on the transition.

With 52 seconds left in the second, Miller launched a shot into the back of the goal off a free position attempt.

About three minutes into the third quarter, Miller netted her second goal of the day. Soon after, Cornett scored her second goal as well, tying up the contest 6-6.

Another goal from junior transfer Madison Terrell finally put the Spartans back in the lead and created the momentum for Missouri Baptist.

Cornett scored a third goal with 12 seconds left in the third period, putting her team in a desirable position going into the fourth.

A quick goal from Mack Miller at the beginning of the fourth quarter put the Spartans in a three-goal lead (9-6). Soon after, she scored one more on the day: an electric "behind the back" shot.

Fifth year transfer Olivia Julian scored her first goal of the season just about one minute after Miller's goal.

The Knights refused to go down without a fight, going on a three-goal run until Julian shut down their hopes with another goal, assisted by Cornett.

MBU kept Marian scoreless the rest of the contest.

Lang snuck in one more goal off a free position shot at the buzzer, bringing the final score to 13-9.
 
Team Stats Highlights:
Draw controls // MBU – 17, MU – 7
Ground balls // MBU – 19 MU – 18
Shots // MBU – 27, MU – 24

Defensive Highlights:
Cornett – 5 ground balls
Julian – 4 ground balls
Alexis Taylor – 3 ground balls
Bella McMillan – 3 caused turnovers
Kevynn Bouchard – 6 saves; .400 save percentage
 
The Spartans play again on Thursday (Feb. 20) at 4:00 pm on Spartan Field.