COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University women's lacrosse team took on their toughest test of the year so far on Saturday, facing the Flying Dutchmen of Hope College. Capital entered with a perfect record of 5-0 for the new campaign. On the other hand, Hope's only blemish came at the hands of 25th ranked Chicago, giving them a record of 3-1. 

Freshman phenom Grace Osborn was again at the center-point of the Comet offense. She led the team in scoring with five goals and was second in total points. 

The Searles sisters, Molly and Hanna, anchored the Capital defense. Molly caused four turnovers and Hanna caused three. They each picked up three ground balls and played a key role in stunting Hope's attack.

With the 15-13 win, Capital rises to 6-0, the program's best start since the 2018 season. Hope falls to 3-2.


HOW IT HAPPENED
Despite giving up the opening goal to the Flying Dutchmen, the Comets got off to as hot a start as ever, responding with six straight goals. Brooke Delara's unselfishness aided in opening up space for the shooters and she finished the quarter with four assists, helping Capital cruise to a 6-2 lead.

The second quarter was fairly quiet, with only three total goals. Cap scored two and Hope scored one. Katie Page played a role in both of the Comets' goals, assisting on the first one and scoring the second one herself. Heading to the locker rooms, the Purple and White led 8-3.

In the third the Flying Dutchmen began to close the gap. They started off the second half with four straight goals, bringing the deficit to just two. However, the Comets were able to respond with three goals of their own, only giving up one additional Hope goal in the process. Following the third quarter, the Comets lead remained at four, 12-8.

The final period was heavily contested. Capital opened the quarter with a goal by Osborn, but gave up three straight in return. For the remainder of the game, the teams would trade goals with Hope desperately trying to break even and Cap doing their best to stay on top. Despite some fervent last second attempts by the Flying Dutchmen, one of which was successful, the Comets prevailed 15-13.


INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Grace Osborn's five goals brought her season total to 33. This gives her an average 5.5 goals per game on the year, enough to top the program leaderboard in that category. With at least 11 games remaining, it looks to be an outstanding season for the freshman from Pickerington. Scoring aside, Osborn also caused three turnovers, picked up three ground balls, and collected three draw controls.

Luci Kanowsky followed up her great performance last game with another hat trick. She netted three goals, caused two turnovers, picked up one ground ball, and collected one draw control.

Skyla Caito emerged with a three-goal performance of her own, nearly doubling her season goal total.

Bee Kuehn once again patrolled the cage for the Comets, making eight saves. She accounts for all six of the positive decisions for Capital. 


THE OPPONENT
Madison Micho and Elena Salazar each recorded four goals for the Flying Dutchmen. Micho also controlled four draws. 

In the cage was Maddie Yakes who made 13 saves.


UP NEXT
The Comets will spend the next week in Columbus, their next game being against Transylvania on Wednesday, March 16. First draw from Bernlohr Stadium will take place at 7 p.m. EST.