ALBION, Mich. – Albion College defeated Alma College, 3-2, Saturday to move into third place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings at the completion of the first round of league play.

Samantha LaRocca scored with eight minutes left to produce her first game-winning goal of the season.

Substitutes Molly Hancock and Haley Kennedy scored as Albion seized a 2-0 lead.

Janelle Christensen scored twice in seven minutes as Alma forged a tie. Christensen's second goal was a perfect strike over the left shoulder of Albion goalkeeper Maggie Troost.

Albion finished the match with 21 shots, placing 10 on goal.

"Our conference is difficult from top to bottom, and we're happy anytime we can hold points at home," Head Coach Eric Scott said. "We're proud of the effort today."

Albion (6-3-1 overall and 5-2-1 against MIAA rivals) travels to Hope College for a Wednesday night match.

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