MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (3/7/2021) -- The University of Detroit Mercy women's lacrosse team made its Mid-American Conference debut in the 2021 season opener Sunday afternoon with the Titans falling to in-state foe Central Michigan on the road, 17-4. The game was played outdoors from the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex in Mount Pleasant.

The Titans (0-1, 0-1 MAC) were playing in their first contest of the season, while Central Michigan (3-2, 1-0 MAC) was playing in its fifth game. It was the MAC debut for both programs, which have been together in two other conferences prior to the MAC -- the ASUN as well as the Southern Conference. It was the first game for the Titans in nearly one year as Detroit Mercy last played against Marquette at home on March 11, 2020.

Detroit Mercy junior Elise Harder led the way offensively for the Titans, notching a hat trick on three goals. Senior attacker Kristina Ellis added one goal for the red, white and blue, while sophomore Marina Butler had an assist for Detroit Mercy. The Titans were effective in the draw circle all day, holding a 13-10 advantage in the contest. Junior midfielder Taryn McManus had a game-high five draw controls, Harder added four DC and senior midfielder Taylor Cantelon tallied two draw controls for the Titans.

Central Michigan jumped out to a 1-0 lead, but Titan senior attacker Kristina Ellis knotted the game up just one minute later on her first goal of the season. The Chippewas, however, had the momentum in the first half and took a 11-2 halftime lead.

Harder scored two goals after the halftime break to account for her sixth career hat trick. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Johnson and sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Shrader each played a half in net and both made four saves in-between the pipes for the red, white and blue.

Junior defender Claire Conway and Johnson shared team-highs with three ground balls each, while Harder and McManus were both credited with two ground balls. Harder led the team with four shots on goal, with Ellis putting all three of her shots on net. Titan freshmen Cat Kopchia and Cecelia Vergara both notched draw controls in their collegiate debuts.

It was the fifth meeting overall for the Titans against Central Michigan in the past six seasons. The two teams did not play in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Up Next
Detroit Mercy plays at home in three of its next four contests, beginning with a home clash with women's lacrosse newcomer Youngstown State on Saturday, March 13 from Titan Field. The game is set for a 12 p.m. ET start and may be seen live on ESPN-Plus. The game is the opener of a doubleheader with the Titan men's lacrosse team playing at 3 p.m.