East Michigan News

Mackenzie Blackwell and Tracy Grollman each achieved hat tricks, leading Eastern Michigan University's lacrosse team to a 10-4 victory over Butler University. The game took place at Varsity Field in Indianapolis on March 7. This win extended the Eagles' winning streak to four games, setting a new program record.

The match began with a low score, but Emerson Henry opened the scoring for EMU in the first quarter. Mackenzie Blackwell added another goal shortly after, ending the quarter with a 2-0 lead for the Eagles. Blackwell scored again early in the second quarter before Butler responded with three consecutive goals, tying the game at halftime.

After halftime, Tracy Grollman scored her first goal of the match, assisted by Avery Schwab. Caitlin Beahm and Emerson Henry also contributed to extending EMU's lead. Despite Butler's efforts to close the gap, Grollman scored again before the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, Blackwell scored twice from free-position shots and Grollman completed her hat trick with another goal assisted by Abby Alderman. Maddie Porter played a key role in defense with six saves and allowing only four goals.

Blackwell's performance marked her fifth hat trick this season and brought her career total to 200 draw controls, making her the first player in program history to reach this milestone. "The goal scored by Mackenzie Blackwell at the end of the first quarter (two seconds remaining) marked the second-latest goal scored to end a quarter in program history," according to EMUEagles.com.

Tracy Grollman's hat trick was her first of this season and fourth overall. Abby Alderman provided two assists during this match while Karly Low recorded three ground balls matching her season-high record.

"The Eagles have won four consecutive games for the first time in program history," reported EMUEagles.com. The team allowed only four goals during this game—the fewest ever allowed by them—surpassing their previous record set against Howard last year.

Eastern Michigan will face off against Cincinnati on March 9 at Nippert Stadium with live streaming available on ESPN+.