The Hope College women's lacrosse team started MIAA play in a big way on Friday.

The Flying Dutch erupted for a 17-5 victory at Saint Mary's College in the league opener in a matchup of second- and third-place teams in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

Hope recorded a season-best defensive effort and posted its largest margin of victory in the all-time series. Four of the previous five meetings, including the last three in a row, had all been decided by one goal.

"We played every single quarter to our full potential," head coach Keagan Pontious said. "We've been working really hard in practice, and it paid off for us today."

The Flying Dutch snapped a two-game losing streak while improving to 4-5 overall.

Hope never trailed after jumping ahead, 6-0, during the first quarter. 

The Flying Dutch extended their lead to 12-2 by halftime after receiving goals from seven different players, including freshman Caleigh Randall, who Randall scored three consecutive times in a span of 1 minute, 40 seconds to push Hope's lead to 10-2 midway through the second quarter.

Randall (Lansing, Michigan / Dewitt HS) finished with a career-high five goals. The midfielder also chipped in two assists.

Freshman attacker Julia Brown (Ada, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) contributed four goals and one assist.

Sophomore attacker Kerrigan Brown (DeWitt, Michigan / DeWitt) totaled three goals.

Junior attacker Elena Salazar (Howell, Michigan / Hartland) added three goals.

The Flying Dutch received one goal apiece from junior midfielder Molly Frederickson (Alto, Michigan / Lowell), sophomore midfielder Bella Lafranca (Caledonia, Michigan / Caledonia) and freshman midfielder Sydney LaPrairie (Rochester, Michigan / Stoney Creek).

"We kept the ball moving consistently," Pontious said of her team's offense. "We were able to find holes in their zone defense." 

Hope did not give up a goal until the 11:16 mark of the second quarter when Molly Mullet scored for the Belles (6-5).

Junior goalkeeper Maddie Yakes (Rockford, Michigan / Rockford) recorded a season-high 12 saves for the Flying Dutch.

Hope surrendered only 18 shots.

"We started pushing up. We love to play high-pressure defense and trust our instincts," Pontious said after her team surpassed the previous season-best six goals allowed to Otterbein University (Ohio) during a March 17 victory. "Maddie was on fire today."

Hope's next game is Tuesday, April 11, at 4 p.m. vs. Trine University at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.