MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Mackenzie Blackwell delivered the 25th hat trick of her career, leading five different goal scorers for Eastern Michigan University’s lacrosse team. However, the Eagles fell 10-9 to Central Michigan University in a Mid-American Conference match at the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on Sunday, March 30. Despite a strong start with an 8-5 lead going into the fourth quarter, EMU (5-5, 1-2 MAC) could not hold out against the Chippewas (2-8, 1-2 MAC), who made a five-goal comeback.
The Eagles scored first early in the game as Blackwell netted a goal for a 1-0 start. The home team responded by scoring the next two, before Stella Burke scored and equalized with help from Katheryn Wilson, moving the score to 2-2. However, the Chippewas managed to secure a 3-2 lead just as the first quarter ended.
In the second quarter, Central Michigan extended its lead to 4-2 until the Eagles’ returning offensive efforts brought the score to 5-4 in their favor by halftime. Blackwell, Tracy Grollman, and Amber Alderman each contributed to this comeback run.
Leading into the second half, Blackwell completed her hat trick, pushing the score to 6-4. Despite the Chippewas responding quickly, the Eagles entered the fourth quarter with a favorable lead of 8-5. However, the Eagles’ lead vanished in the final quarter due to five consecutive goals from the Chippewas, resulting in a 10-8 turnaround. Blackwell’s fourth goal narrowed the gap, but after another attempt, the Eagles faced a turnover, sealing their narrow defeat.
After the match, Grollman’s performance was noted as a key factor with her scoring two goals and continuing a personal best streak with multi-goal games. Stella Burke, in her rookie season, scored for a second consecutive game. Karly Low showed defensive strength, setting career highs in ground balls and turnovers. Maddie Porter, marked by a demanding season, recorded significant stats, nearing a career milestone in ground balls.
Analyzing team performances, although the Eagles lost, they showed tenacity in the close contest, marking a tighter loss than previous matchups against Central Michigan. The one-goal difference in this game was the smallest margin yet in their series history.
The Eagles will next face the University of Michigan, ranked tenth nationally, in an away game scheduled for April 2. The game will take place inside the U-M Lacrosse Stadium and will be available for viewing on BTN+.
For further updates on EMU Lacrosse, fans can follow EMU_Lacrosse on their social media handles.
