The Hope College women's lacrosse team used a dominant middle stretch to pull away on the road Wednesday afternoon, turning a close early contest into a convincing 14–7 victory over Aurora University at Spartan Athletic Park. With the win, the Flying Dutch remain unbeaten and improve to 2-0 on the season.
Hope's offense was balanced throughout the afternoon, led by senior Julia Brown (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central, who recorded a team-high three goals while also collecting five ground balls and three caused turnovers.
Brown became Hope's all-time goal-scoring leader with 198 goals over four seasons, surpassing Elena Salazar '24 (197).
Hope struck first and built an early edge, scoring twice from the sticks of seniors Sydney LaPrairie (Rochester, Michigan / Stoney Creek HS) and Julia Brown (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) in the opening quarter to take a 2-0 lead before Aurora answered late in the period to make it 2-1 after one.
The Flying Dutch quickly responded in the second quarter with two goals from senior Caleigh Randall (Lansing, Michigan / DeWitt), regaining momentum in the opening minutes.
Aurora briefly closed the gap with back-to-back scores from sophomores Ireland Brown (DeWitt, Michigan / DeWitt) and Kayla Reis (Westfield, Indiana / Westfield) midway through the period to pull within 5-3, but Hope answered again down the stretch to carry a 7-3 lead into halftime.
The Flying Dutch created separation in the third quarter.
Hope erupted for five goals in the period, including three during a quick stretch midway through the frame, to extend the advantage to 12-3 and firmly take control of the game.
Aurora found some late offense in the fourth quarter, but Hope added two more goals of its own to close out the win. Laprairie put up two goals and an assist, while Junior Stella Bottum (Alto, Michigan / Caledonia), sophomore Madison Pyle (Rockford, Michigan / Rockford), and Randall each scored two goals.
Randall also recorded five draw controls, helping Hope control possession.
Ireland Brown paced the Flying Dutch with three assists, while sophomores Elliana Hillard (DeWitt, Michigan / DeWitt) and Sarah Rott (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Catholic Central) each finished with a goal and an assist in the victory.
In goal, senior Samantha Smith (Westfield, Indiana / Westfield) played all 60 minutes for Hope, allowing seven goals while making one save on 11 shots faced to earn the win.
Hope returns home on Saturday, March 7 for a matchup with DePauw University at 1 p.m. at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.
