AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's lacrosse team fell in their first ever Mid-South Conference contest on Wednesday evening, losing 24-6 to the Knights of Marian University at Gyrene Field. Marian entered the contest ranked eighth in the nation in the newest NAIA Coaches' Poll, while Ave Maria is receiving votes.

Marian jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the opening four minutes of the game, led by two goals from Christina Soderquist and one each from Kori Garland and Kyrstin August. The Gyrenes quickly answered with two goals of their own, as tallies from Alexis Smich and Emma Davis pulled AMU within two goals at 4-2. Marian added four consecutive goals to increase their lead to 8-2, and led by a score of 16-6 at halftime.

Davis and Jessica Denara led the Gyrenes in the first half, each scoring two goals in the opening 30 minutes. Stephanie Hilker stopped seven shots for AMU before halftime. For Marian, Soderquist and Journey Fischbeck both scored three first-half goals, and Soderquist led all players with seven draw controls.

Marian scored all eight goals in the second half to finish off the road victory, ending the game on a 12-0 run dating back to the end of the first half. Julia Robson scored three goals in the final 30 minutes, and Soderquist added two more to finish the game with a team-leading five. Breanna DeJong had two second half assists, and finished the day with three goals and the two assists.

Ave Maria remains at home on Saturday, as the Gyrenes face off with the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils at Gyrene Field. Both teams are receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Poll. The game marks the fourth contest in a nine-game homestand for the Gyrenes. The opening faceoff of the contest is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.