At Kent State, the Flashes have a tradition of ringing the bell after a win. With the sounds of a bell ringing in the background, the women’s lacrosse team broke a 10-game losing streak to win its first game in program history.

Abby Jones led Kent with five goals in the team’s 21-6 win over Delaware State University. Jones’ first goal came in the 10th minute of the game with an assist from Megan Kozar.

Kelli Bailey, Graceyn Dean and Lluna Katz all had four goals on the day with Emily Speckman, Katie Stachler, Kozar and Meghan Cawood each scoring one apiece.

“I think putting together a close win would be great too, but really putting together 60 minutes and getting a really decisive victory, you know, it just allows them to take the time to enjoy it a little bit more,” coach Brianne Tierney said. “You’re not anxious the whole time [and] it makes you realize that you’re winning,”

The Flashes out shot the Hornets, 27-10, and won in draw controls 16-13. Goalie Grace Merrill played 38 minutes of the game with two saves and three goals allowed and goalie Bridgette Kiefer played 21 minutes; also with two saves and three goals allowed.

The team is predominantly freshman, while other schools have upperclassmen who can help lead the way for freshmen. With only two sophomores on the team, the athletes lacked a player to guide them through the transition. Despite that, Tierney said the team’s confidence has come a long way since the start.

“I think they are pretty confident, ready to get another one, but it’s a mental game and then knowing how to win is part of it,” Tierney said.“And so I’m just so glad that we were able to do it. (I’m) a big believer in players win games and they certainly did that on Friday.”

Bailey, Speckman and Hailee Andry agreed the team needed a win. The players said that after putting in a lot of time and effort, it was nice to see their hard work pay off.

Stetson University, who the Flashes will take on Friday, also struggled in the beginning of its season. Going 0-8 to start the team’s season, the Hatters are also coming off of their first win.

Kent will take on the Hatters Friday at 5 p.m. in the Stetson Athletic Training Center.

Amanda Levine covers women’s lacrosse. Contact her at [email protected].