GORHAM, Maine – The Husson University women's lacrosse team dropped a 16-6 decision to the University of Southern Maine on Tuesday evening at Hannaford Field.
Southern Maine (10-4) controlled the game from the opening draw, scoring the first seven goals of the contest and building a 9-1 lead by the end of the first quarter. Sophomore Kate Boehmcke got Husson (7-4) on the board midway through the opening frame off an assist from sophomore Adella Mabee, but the hosts answered with a late push to take firm control early.
The Huskies extended their advantage in the second quarter, scoring three more goals to open the period before Husson found some success on the player-advantage. Senior Averi Baker netted a free-position goal, and senior Laela Martinez followed with a man-up tally off a feed from Baker to trim the deficit to 12-3. However, Southern Maine added another goal before halftime to lead 13-3 at the break.
Southern Maine continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 15-3 before Boehmcke converted on a man-up opportunity late in the period, finishing a pass from sophomore Reese Sullivan to make it 15-4 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Boehmcke added another free-position goal early in the period, and Baker scored in the final seconds, but the Eagles were unable to close the gap as Southern Maine secured the 16-6 victory.
Boehmcke led Husson offensively with three goals, while Baker added two goals and an assist. Martinez also found the back of the net, and Mabee and Sullivan each recorded an assist.
Defensively, freshman Salin Bachor made eight saves in goal for the Eagles. Husson recorded 11 draw controls, led by Baker with four and Boehmcke with four, while also totaling 11 ground balls in the contest as a team.
Husson finished with 15 shots and nine shots on goal, while committing 25 turnovers and converting on 12-21 clear attempts.
The Eagles will look to bounce back on Saturday when they head to Castine for a massive North Atlantic Conference matchup against Maine Maritime Academy, with first draw set for 1 p.m.
