CLEARWATER, Fla. – In a spirited encounter under the Florida sky, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s lacrosse team faced off against Denison University, marking their fourth game this season against a nationally-ranked opponent. Despite a valiant effort, the Seahawks succumbed to the Big Red with an 18-10 loss at Philip Jones Field on Thursday evening, March 14.
From the onset, Denison University, ranked 25th nationally and holding a record of 2-4, demonstrated why they’re a force to be reckoned with. They quickly established dominance by securing a 7-0 lead in the initial 18 minutes, leaving St. Mary’s, now at a 4-4 season record, scrambling to find their footing.
Hope Harrison and Sanne Elling, both freshmen from St. Mary’s College, momentarily shifted the momentum by scoring back-to-back goals, breaking the scoring drought. However, Denison responded vigorously, embarking on a 6-2 run, widening their lead to 13-4 by halftime.
The third quarter saw a resurgence from St. Mary’s as midfielders Grace Lintz, Madison Laine, and junior attacker Hailey Betch each scored, narrowing the gap to 14-7. Despite their efforts, including a late-game push with goals from senior captain MC Mortimer and Laine, the Seahawks couldn’t overcome Denison’s early lead, closing the game at 18-10.
Statistically, Denison outshot St. Mary’s 34 to 22 and edged ahead in draw controls 17-15. Both teams were evenly matched in ground balls, each securing 16. The Big Red’s efficiency in free-position shots was notable, converting 5 out of 9 opportunities, compared to St. Mary’s 2 out of 4.
For St. Mary’s, Elling led with a hat trick, marking her second consecutive multiple-goal game. Betch and Laine each added two goals, with Betch also contributing defensively. Freshman defender Claire Boudreau set personal bests with four draw controls and three ground balls. The defensive efforts were bolstered by senior captain Rachael Freeman and sophomore Kendall Curry, combining for a total of five ground balls and five caused turnovers. Goalkeeper Allie Greeley made nine saves for the Seahawks.
Denison’s Merrill Rollhaus stood out with three goals, two assists, and two caused turnovers, alongside her contributions to draw controls and ground balls.
Looking forward, St. Mary’s College has challenging matches ahead, facing No. 15 Christopher Newport on March 20, followed by a home game against Bryn Athyn on March 23.
