by Alan Babbitt

Rachel Elder's supreme scoring touch propelled the Hope College women's lacrosse team out of an early deficit against Adrian College.

After spotting the Bulldogs the first two goals of the game, the Elder-powered Flying Dutch reeled off the next six goals and motored to a 19-6 victory at Van Andel Soccer Stadium on Tuesday.

Elder's career-high seven goals matched Hope's stadium record for goals scored by an individual. 

The senior attacker from Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids HS) equaled Hope's stadium record shared by three former Hope teammates: Kate Sabourin (2013 vs. Siena Heights), Maddie Ferguson (2013 vs. Siena Heights), and Molly Greenfield (2013 vs. Olivet).

Head coach Keagan Pontious said Elder's composure paid big dividends.

"She definitely played natural and saw the openings in front of her. It wasn't forced," Pontious said. "It was good team lacrosse."

Hope improved to 8-1 overall and 2-1 in MIAA play. The Flying Dutch's next game is against MIAA co-leader Albion College on Saturday, April 3 at 1 p.m. at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Elder snapped a 2-2 tie with three consecutive goals in a span of 1 minute, 58 seconds against Adrian (2-8, 1-2 MIAA).

The business and communication major capitalized on assists twice from senior midfielder Madison Micho of Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids) and once from freshman midfielder Kristen Szost of Jenison, Michigan (Jenison International).

Hope recorded 13 assists from seven different players — one assist off of its season-high. Micho earned a team-high four assists to double her total for the season. The mechanical engineering major also scored three times. 

The Flying Dutch received two goals apiece from junior attacker Sophie Ackerman of East Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids, senior midfielder Carly Pieri of Alto, Michigan (Caledonia), freshman attacker Elena Salazar of Howell, Michigan (Hartland), and Szost.

Hope equaled its season-high goals for goals in a game.

"We can put up so many goals because we have a lot who are able to score. It doesn't matter who," Pontious said. "We also love a good feed into the middle that creates big shots."

Defensively, the Flying Dutch matched their stingiest effort of the season with six goals allowed.

Starting goalie Laurel Frederickson of Alto, Michigan (Lowell) needed to make only one save in 37 ½ minutes on the field. Her replacement, senior Helen Holt of Myersville, Maryland (Middletown), also needed to record one save.

"We have wonderful senior leadership back there. Caroline Milholland and Caitlyn Cowell lead the show. Laurel, too," Pontious said. "They're always talking to each other. They made big plays for us when we needed the stops."