NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The Saint Mary's lacrosse team fell in a 16-5 final against Carthage in the Belles' home opener on Saturday afternoon.

 

Kaitlyn King registered her first collegiate goal as the freshman put the Belles on top early with a goal off of a feed from Erin Dotson less than three minutes into the contest. The Firebirds put three consecutive goals on the scoreboard over the next four minutes of play for a 3-1 advantage. Saint Mary's turned defense into offense a minute later after Katie Haas caused a turnover and got a ground ball on a Carthage clear attempt before Shannon McCloskey put away a goal with 7:01 on the clock to make it a 3-2 game. Alexis Fady posted three consecutive saves to keep the Belles within striking distance in the first quarter, but Carthage gained some late momentum with a goal with 1:27 remaining for a 4-2 lead. 

 

The second quarter proved to be a big difference maker in the game as the visiting Firebirds outscored the Belles by a 7-0 margin over the 15-minute period. Katie Haas had a pair of shots on goal saved, but Saint Mary's was unable to break through into the scoring column. 

Carthage extended their lead to 12-2 early in the third quarter, but McCloskey notched her second goal of the game to stop the running clock with 10:50 on the scoreboard. Fady tallied two more saves over the next three minutes of action for Saint Mary's as the Belles tried to battle their way back into the game. The Firebirds, however, used back-to-back goals over the final 7:15 of the quarter to take a 14-3 lead into the final period.

 

Kaitlyn King collected her second goal of the game, and Gabby Belsito had a well-placed free position shot find its way between the goalie and the post for a goal with under three minutes remaining to cap off the scoring for Saint Mary's in the 16-5 setback.

 

Shannon McCloskey and Kaitlyn King each had two goals to pace the Belles. The two goals by King were the first two of her collegiate career. Gabby Belsito added a goal, and Erin Dotson posted an assist. Katie Haas led all players with eight ground balls and tied her career-high with six caused turnovers. Alexis Fady tallied eight saves in goal.

 

The Belles (2-1) travel to Tennessee to take on Sewanee on Monday night at 7:00 p.m.