CLEARWATER, Fla. – In a spirited showdown at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s lacrosse team faced a tough challenge against No. 5 ranked Franklin & Marshall College, ultimately falling 20-10 on Tuesday afternoon. The non-conference bout witnessed the Seahawks struggle to overcome a slow start, snapping their four-game winning streak and moving their season tally to 4-3.
The match kicked off with promise for St. Mary’s College as junior attacker Hailey Betch netted the opening goal. However, Franklin & Marshall quickly took control, unleashing a 6-1 run that highlighted their offensive prowess. Despite attempts to break the Diplomats’ momentum, including goals from Betch and first-year midfielder Sanne Elling, St. Mary’s found themselves trailing 7-2 after the first quarter.
Efforts to close the gap early in the second quarter were short-lived, as Franklin & Marshall responded with a decisive 6-0 streak, extending their lead to 13-4 by halftime. The Diplomats’ dominance continued into the second half, with an early trio of goals further cementing their advantage.
St. Mary’s College showed resilience in the final quarter, briefly rallying with three consecutive goals, but the Diplomats’ earlier lead proved insurmountable. Franklin & Marshall sealed the victory with a 3-1 run, underlining their status as one of the top teams in the nation.
Statistically, the Diplomats outperformed the Seahawks in several key areas. Franklin & Marshall enjoyed a significant 35-21 advantage in shots and dominated ground balls and draw controls. The Seahawks struggled with ball clearance, successfully completing only 12 of 19 attempts.
Despite the setback, individual performances for St. Mary’s College offered some positives. Betch’s four goals and one assist led the team, marking her third consecutive game with at least three goals. Sophomore attacker Katelin Scala and Elling also contributed with multiple-goal efforts, showcasing the depth of talent within the Seahawks squad.
On the opposing side, Franklin & Marshall’s Gillian Brennan and Sarah Bowyer stood out with significant contributions, driving the Diplomats to their fifth consecutive victory.
Looking ahead, St. Mary’s College aims to bounce back against No. 25 Denison on March 14th in Clearwater, Fla. The Seahawks are determined to regroup and reassert their competitive edge as they continue their season.
