Eutectics Open Season with Huge Win over Crusaders

ST. LOUIS, MO. – The Eutectic women's lacrosse team opened the 2026 season on Sunday with a lopsided 15-5 victory over the Madonna University Crusaders. The Crusaders, also playing their first game of the season, travelled to the Eutectics' home field at Lou Fusz Athletic Complex for an outdoor game in unseasonably warm February weather. It was the first time the two programs had faced off in women's lacrosse and the first career win for UHSP new head coach Addie Records.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Eutectics took advantage of a couple of power plays to start the game with goals from Marisa Podio (free position shot) and Sadi Adams to go up 2-0 within six minutes. The Crusaders countered with a goal, but before the quarter was finished, Ella Penke struck with a goal assisted by Adams to give the Eutectics a 3-1 lead.
• The second quarter was all UHSP. Penke opened the floodgates with a quick man-up goal off a pass from Podio. Then, goals from Melanie Doub (free position), Adams, Adriana Cain (free position shot, man-up), Podio (assisted by Penke), and Michelle Le (from Podio) were spread out throughout the quarter. Meanwhile, the Eutectic defense allowed only two shots from Madonna, with UHSP goalkeeper Brianna Dixon making the save on the one shot on goal. The Eutectics were up 9-1 at the half.
• Molly Biermann scored her first goal of the season to start off the third quarter. The Crusaders were able to knock in two goals in in the period (one with a man-up), but two more goals from Penke and one more from Podio gave the Euts a 10-point lead (13-3) heading into the final 10 minutes.
• Madonna scored the first two goals of the fourth quarter (one off a free position shot) to come out of the 10-point deficit running-clock. But, in the final two minutes, Adams found the net with a free position shot and an unassisted goal to get UHSP to a 15-5 lead as time ran out.
• The Eutectics mostly dominated offensively, taking 33 shots to the Crusaders' 15. Ella Penke and Sadi Adams each recorded four goals for UHSP, with Adams picking up two assists, two ground balls, and one draw control in her first collegiate game. Marisa Podio earned a hat trick and added two assists.
• Goalkeeper Brianna Dixon made five saves in the game and added five ground balls to record the win. Madonna goalkeeper Olivia Vitantonio made 12 saves.  

NEXT UP:

The Eutectics will next play an exhibition game at NCAA Division I Saint Louis University on Saturday before beginning Heart of America Athletic Conference play on Feb. 24^th at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo.