Eastern Michigan University’s lacrosse team secured a crucial victory to remain in the race for the Mid-American Conference title by defeating Kent State University with a score of 15-8. The match took place at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio, and saw Mackenzie Blackwell deliver a standout performance, scoring eight goals for the Eagles. This win brought their season record to 7-7, tying a program record for seasonal victories.
The host team, Kent State, initially took the lead with the first goal of the game. However, the Eagles swiftly responded, with Blackwell netting two goals to secure a 2-1 lead. The teams remained closely matched by the end of the first quarter with a 2-2 score. Yet, in the second quarter, the Eagles took control, gaining a substantial lead they maintained throughout the game.
Blackwell, after receiving an assist from Tracy Grollman, completed her 12th hat trick of the season early in the second quarter. Abby Alderman followed with a goal, assisted by Blackwell, extending their advantage. Despite a goal from Kent State narrowing the gap, the Eagles went on to score four consecutive goals, concluding the first half with an 8-3 lead.
After halftime, Kent State attempted a comeback by scoring twice but the Eagles maintained their momentum with two additional goals in the third quarter. The period ended 10-5 in favor of Eastern Michigan. In the final quarter, the Eagles secured their lead with five more goals, including Blackwell’s seventh and eighth strikes, sealing the game with a 15-8 victory.
“Mackenzie Blackwell finished the game with nine points on eight goals and one assist to record her 12th hat trick of the year and the 29th of her career,” according to statistics from the team. Her performance in this game tied her for the most goals scored against a MAC opponent, equaling the eight scored by Sydney Lawrence the previous year.
Upcoming, the Eagles are set to face the University of Akron Zips in their final regular season MAC contest on April 20 at home. The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+ with free admission for fans.
