The Hope College women's lacrosse team started fast and marched to an 18-8 win at Alma on Wednesday.

The Flying Dutch scored eight of the match's first nine goals en route to bolstering their bid to reach postseason play.

Hope improved its record to 7-6 overall and 4-3 against Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponents.

The Flying Dutch can clinch a berth in next week's MIAA Tournament with a victory at fifth-place Trine on Saturday.

Against Alma, eighth different goalscorers powered Hope, including six who contributed to spark the Flying Dutch to an 8-1 lead in the first 11 ½ minutes.

Freshman Carly Pieri of Alto, Michigan (Caledonia HS), pictured, led all goalscorers with four.

Junior Allison Darnell of Farmington Hills, Michigan (North Farmington) and freshman Paige Wilmer of Columbus, Ohio (Upper Arlington) added three goals apiece. Wilmer also had two assists.

Three from Hope chipped in two goals apiece: senior Erin Caton of Rochester Hills, Michigan (Pontiac Notre Dame Prep), senior Emily Deane of Rochester Hills, Michigan (Rochester Adams), and freshman Rachel Elder of Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids).