Box Score In a battle of first-year varsity programs, the Lindenwood women's lacrosse team defeated Grand Valley State on Friday afternoon by an 18-8 score in Allendale, Mich.

Lindenwood pulled away from the Lakers early in the second half. The Lakers scored the first goal of the period to pull within one goal of the Lady Lions. Lindenwood answered though with nine straight goals that put it ahead by a commanding 15-5 margin, and it finished with a 12-4 advantage in the final half.

Justiene Groothuis and Lexi Crusha combined for 10 goals and four assists, with both players having five goals and two assists. Kara Cashen scored three times, Karthryn St. George had two goals, and Lindsey Palmer and Melissa Menchella each had a goal. Jordyn Constance had a team-high three assists.

Lindenwood won 16-of-27 draws, including four each by Palmer and Stephanie Tirman. St. George led the Lady Lions with five groundballs and Christine Hehmeyer made five saves in goal.

Lindenwood improves to 5-2 on the season with the win. The Lady Lions have a conference contest on Sunday afternoon at Regis.