ALMA, Mich. – Shannon Kahl and Taylor Nelson controlled the draw and scooped up ground balls and their hustle provided the spark to lead Albion College to a 16-7 victory over Alma College in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association women's lacrosse opener for both teams Wednesday night.

"Shannon and Taylor simply 'made it work' on the draw and on the ground balls in the midfield," Coach Shanta Loecker said. "Their hustle translated into drive for the whole team, and this was definitely a group that was ready to work hard. This game was a big improvement for us and we're excited to start the conference season with a win."

Cait Gaitley produced six goals and an assist. Her goal two minutes into the second half started a running clock as Albion built a 10-goal margin, leading 12-2.

Lauren Wiegand, Gaitley and Nelson scored as Albion extended the lead to 15-2 midway through the second half.

Kahl finished the night with two goals, an assist, seven draw controls, six ground balls and three caused turnovers. Nelson controlled the draw six times and scooped three ground balls in addition to scoring two goals and adding an assist.

Kilee DeBrabander and Shelby Frazer scored two goals apiece to lead Alma on a late charge, but Albion maintained a comfortable lead.

"Alma showed it has firepower and kept the game exciting," Loecker said.

Also scoring for Albion were Wiegand with two goals and an assist, Marah Ranger with a goal and an assist, and Jessica Mooney, Kate Mullins and Cassandra Reuschlein with a goal apiece. Goalkeeper Jenina Villabroza collected nine saves.

Albion (2-6 overall) returns home for a Saturday match against Calvin College. The draw is set for 3:30 p.m. on the new Alumni Field inside the Davis Athletic Complex.

Get the latest information on the team by following @albiontennis on Twitter. General athletics news can be found @gobrits on Twitter and Albion College Athletics on Facebook