The Butler women's lacrosse team won their first game of the 2024 season 13-12 against Central Michigan at Varsity Field.
Midfielder
Kayla Kielbasa returns to action for the Bulldogs, scoring the first goal of the 2024 season. Kielbasa, the Penn State transfer, made an unassisted goal early in the first quarter at the 12:45 mark. Freshman midfielder,
Emily Eckert scored her first collegiate goal to help the Bulldogs finish the first quarter.
The Bulldogs entered the second quarter down 5-2 to the Chippewas. All BIG-EAST Team selection for the Bulldogs,
Leah Rubino scored four goals alone to help the Bulldogs in the second quarter. In addition, Eckert scored her second goal of the game to help tie up the score 7-7 at the half. In the first half of the game the Bulldogs recorded 18 shots, 12 ground balls, and shot for seven of eight clears.
Throughout the second half of the game it was a neck and neck match between the Bulldogs and Chippewas. At the start of the third quarter the Bulldogs came ready for the win.
Sophia Knoblock scored two goals within the third quarter. Knoblock's first goal of the season was assisted by Eckert at the 11:56 mark, putting the Bulldogs up. Followed by her second goal assisted by Kielbasa.
The Bulldogs finished out the fourth quarter fighting for the victory.
Elise Latham started the tone of the last 15 minutes of the match for the Bulldogs. Latham scored her first goal of the season at the 8:26 mark. Rubino scored two goals in the fourth quarter, including the game winning goal for Bulldogs assisted by Eckert with 2:45 left on the clock. Rubino, the Potomac, Md. native tied her career high for single games scoring goals, recording seven goals against the Chippewas.
The Bulldogs increased their numbers throughout the match working towards Head Coach
Maggie Zentgraf's goals for the season right off the bat. The team recorded 32 goals, 17 ground balls, 11 draw goals and 14 saves throughout the duration of the game.
The Bulldogs will travel to Notre Dame to take on Coach Zentgraf's alma mater. The first draw is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18 in South Bend, Ind.
