St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s lacrosse team endured a heartbreaking start to their 2025 season, falling 15-14 in overtime to Shenandoah University on Saturday. Despite a strong effort from the Seahawks, a sudden-death goal by Ayla Jantz secured the win for the Hornets, handing St. Mary’s a narrow loss in their season opener.
The Seahawks began the game with momentum, jumping out to a 5-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. Senior captain Colin Horton spearheaded the offense early, netting four goals in the first half. However, Shenandoah responded with an impressive second quarter, outscoring St. Mary’s 6-2 to take an 8-7 lead into halftime.
The second half remained tightly contested, with both teams exchanging goals throughout the third quarter. Shenandoah maintained their one-goal lead heading into the final period, but the Seahawks refused to go down quietly. Senior captain Madison Laine played a pivotal role in the closing minutes, scoring a goal and assisting on another within 29 seconds to tie the game at 14 with just over a minute remaining. First-year defender Ella Mathias won the crucial draw control, giving St. Mary’s an opportunity to seize the win. However, a forced turnover by Shenandoah’s Alex Ripkin ended their possession, and despite the Hornets getting one last look before the final whistle, sophomore goalkeeper Allie Greeley made a clutch save to send the game into overtime.
The Seahawks entered the extra period with an advantage, as Shenandoah was down a player due to a penalty at the end of regulation. St. Mary’s created two scoring chances in the opening moments, but one shot missed the mark and the other was saved by Shenandoah goalie Maddie Gaboury. After a timeout, Shenandoah executed a successful transition downfield, and Jantz delivered the decisive goal to give the Hornets the win.
Statistically, Shenandoah edged out St. Mary’s in multiple categories. The Hornets outshot the Seahawks 35-30, collected 14 ground balls to St. Mary’s 10, and narrowly won the draw control battle, 16-15. Free-position opportunities were more effective for the Seahawks, as they converted on two of five attempts while Shenandoah struggled, making just two of eight.
Horton led all Seahawks scorers with six goals, tying her career-high, and added three draw controls. Laine put together the best offensive game of her collegiate career, scoring four times while also contributing an assist and collecting three ground balls. Senior captain Hailey Betch recorded two goals, one assist, and led the team with five draw controls. Sophomore midfielder Sanne Elling added two goals and a helper, while Greeley played 55 minutes in relief and tallied 15 saves.
For Shenandoah, Ripkin was the offensive standout with six goals and seven total points, while Ainsley Buckner contributed two goals, two assists, and six draw controls. Gaboury finished with seven saves to pick up the win.
The loss marked the second straight for St. Mary’s against Shenandoah, who now hold a 3-1 all-time record in the series. The Seahawks’ last victory over the Hornets came in a 9-8 double-overtime thriller in 2021.
Looking ahead, St. Mary’s will aim to rebound in their home opener on February 22 when they face No. 15 Christopher Newport University at JLR Stadium in St. Mary’s City.
