by Alan Babbitt

In an action-packed, record-setting MIAA opener, the Hope College women's lacrosse team came up one goal short in a 24-23 loss to Saint Mary's College on Friday.

The highest-scoring women's lacrosse game at Van Andel Soccer Stadium saw the Belles rally with the final three goals, including the game-winner with 46 seconds remaining.

The 47 combined goals surpassed the previous stadium record of 34 set on April 14, 2015, during an 18-16 Hope loss to Aquinas College.

On Friday, sophomore Elena Salazar (Howell, Michigan / Hartland HS) scored a career-high eight goals for the Flying Dutch.

Salazar surpassed the previous stadium record of seven goals, shared by Katie Sabourin (2013 vs. Siena Heights), Maddie Ferguson (2013 vs. Siena Heights), and Molly Greenfield (2013 vs. Olivet).

The eight goals were the third-most in Hope history, trailing only Ferguson, who recorded nine apiece at Albion in 2013 and Alma in 2013.

The game, with the MIAA's top two teams in the league's preseason coaches poll, featured nine lead changes and eight ties. It was their third consecutive meeting decided by one goal.

Salazar's goal with 6 1/2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter put the Flying Dutch ahead, 23-21. 

Hope rallied after trailing, 19-15, with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter.

Saint Mary's (5-5 overall) scored three times over the final 2:52. Bridget Kane scored the game-winner with 46 seconds remaining in regulation. The Belles then won the draw control and ran out of the clock.

Kane and Shannon McCloskey topped Saint Mary's with six goals apiece. The 24 goals are the most scored by an opponent at Hope.

Goalie Alexis Fady made 11 saves for the Belles. The Flying Dutch also hit two shots off the goal during the second half.

Hope's 23 goals is the second-most in team history at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Freshman Juli Kirkpatrick (Granger, Indiana / Penn) recorded a career-high six goals for the Flying Dutch.

Senior Sophie Ackerman (East Grand Rapids, Michigan / East Grand Rapids) tied her stadium record with five assists. The attacker matched her 2021 effort against Calvin University.

Hope (5-5) returns to action on Wednesday, April 13, at 4 p.m. at Trine University.