PAINESVILLE, Ohio – The Saginaw Valley State University lacrosse team fell 18-4 at Lake Erie on Thursday night in Painesville, Ohio. The Cardinals (0-3) battled back from five scores to cut the deficit to three, but couldn't keep pace with the Storm (1-3) in the loss.

Sarah Veale contributed in three of the four goals for SVSU, scoring twice and tallying an assist. Aleena Edwards netted a goal and registered an assist as well in the losing effort. Gabby Parker scored a goal with her only shot on frame. Veale led the Cardinal attack with four shots on goal as well as a team-high five draw controls. Edwards tallied two caused turnovers and had a game-high seven ground balls to her credit.

Lake Erie scored two goals in the opening minute of play that started five straight scores in the opening seven minutes of regulation. Edwards made the first Saginaw Valley goal on a free position attempt with 6:44 left in the first quarter. Veale then registered her first goal of the game with just under five minutes remaining to trim the lead to 5-2.

The Storm added eight more scores before the half to take a 13-2 advantage into the locker room at the break.

The Cardinals added two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half with a goal from Parker, assisted by Veale at the 12:40 mark. Veale then added her second score of the contest 2:30 later to put the deficit at nine, but SVSU couldn't add another before the end of regulation.

Mikaila Stone played all 60 minutes and tallied eight saves on the day. The Cardinals finished the day scoring on half of their shots on goal and also recorded 12 draw controls and a season-best 24 ground balls.

UP NEXT: Saginaw Valley State University lacrosse will make history next Thursday, March 13 when the Cardinals host their first home game in program history against Dominican. The opening draw is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. (ET).