The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s lacrosse team’s 2026 season came to an end Saturday afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship Tournament.
The Seahawks (7-11) fell 15-7 to No. 12 University of Scranton (16-4) at the Royals’ home field. Scranton jumped out to an early 11-4 halftime lead and never looked back.
The loss marked the end of a historic run for the program. St. Mary’s College made its 13th overall NCAA Tournament appearance and fifth consecutive trip after capturing its fifth straight United East Conference championship title. The Seahawks also claimed their first-ever United East Divisional Championship this spring.
D 5′ 5″ Senior Credit: Nairem Moran / St. Mary's College of Maryland
Scranton scored the game’s first two goals in the opening minute. St. Mary’s College answered quickly with unassisted goals from junior midfielder Sanne Elling and first-year attacker Sarah Fitter to tie the score at 2-2. The Royals then rattled off seven straight goals to take control.
Fitter and junior midfielder Hope Harrison added goals late in the first half to cut the deficit, but Scranton carried an 11-4 lead into the break. The Seahawks continued to battle in the second half, with Fitter and junior attacker Grace Maurice finding the net, but the Royals’ defense and transition game proved too much.
Fitter led the Seahawks with three goals, her sixth hat trick of the season. Maurice added two goals, and senior captain Katelin Scala contributed two assists while winning six draw controls. Senior captain Carsyn Smith anchored the defense with four ground balls and four caused turnovers. Junior goalie Allie Greeley made 12 saves.
The Seahawks kept pace in draw controls at 12-12, but Scranton outshot them 34-18 and forced 19 of SMCM’s 23 turnovers. The Royals also dominated ground balls 28-14.
St. Mary’s College finished the year with strong showings in both the regular season and postseason. The program has now won five consecutive United East Conference titles and made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, a testament to the steady growth of women’s lacrosse in Southern Maryland.
The Seahawks will return several key players next season, including Fitter, Maurice, Elling and Harrison. The 2026 campaign highlighted the team’s resilience and competitive spirit in a tough national field.
