by Eva Dean Folkert

Seniors Rachel Elder, pictured right, and Carly Pieri, pictured left, claimed game-high scoring honors as the two veterans each netted four goals in leading the Hope College women's lacrosse team to an 18-6 victory over Kalamazoo College on Saturday.

The road win improves the Flying Dutch record to 6-0 while the Hornets fall to 3-3.

The victory does not count toward MIAA league standings. League play begins on Wednesday, March 24 when Hope travels to  Calvin University. Game time is 7 p.m.

Hope jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the first half after going on a run of five unanswered goals in a span of nine minutes, from the 18:15 mark to 9:40 left to go.

Kalamazoo then traded goals with the Flying Dutch to the end of the half; Hope took a 8-3 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Hope again went on a scoring jag over a 10 ½ minute span, this time with six goals in a row while the Flying Dutch defense allowed only two Kalamazoo shots in the same timeframe.

At the end of that run, Hope lead 18-5. The Hornets finished with one more score to make the final 18-6. 

Freshman attacker Elena Salazar of Howell, Michigan (Hartland HS) was Hope's second-leading scorer with three goals. Junior attacker Sophie Ackerman of East Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids HS) recorded the most assists with three. 

As they have done most of the season thus far, the Flying Dutch dictated offensive momentum by securing the most draw controls, 17-8. 

Midfielder Pieri of Alto, Michigan (Caledonia HS) topped Hope with seven draw controls while senior midfielder Paige Wilmer of Columbus, Ohio (Upper Arlington HS) and senior midfielder Madison Micho of Grand Rapids (East Grand Rapids HS) each had four.

Freshman goalie Maddie Yakes of Rockford, Michigan (Rockford HS) was credited with the win in cage. She turned away seven Kalamazoo shots on goal in a little over 57 minutes of playing time.

In groundballs, Elder of Grand Rapids (East Grand Rapids HS), Salazar and Yakes tied with four apiece.