FARMINGTON, Maine – The Husson University women's lacrosse team used a dominant second-quarter surge and a timely scoring run in the third quarter to secure a 12-8 North Atlantic Conference victory over the University of Maine at Farmington on Tuesday afternoon.
Farmington (4-10, 2-3 NAC) struck first just under a minute into play, but the Eagles (9-4, 4-1 NAC) quickly responded as senior Laela Martinez evened the score at 1-1 with 8:20 remaining in the opening quarter. Husson then capitalized on a man-up opportunity when sophomore Reese Sullivan finished a feed from senior Madison Lower to give the Eagles their first lead of the day at 2-1.
After the Beavers tied the game early in the second quarter, Husson began to take control. Lower scored on a free-position attempt during a player advantage to spark a five-goal quarter for the Eagles. Senior Gracie Gardner added a goal moments later, followed by back-to-back tallies from sophomore Kate Boehmcke to extend the lead. Lower found the back of the net again, and Husson carried a 7-3 advantage into halftime.
Farmington mounted a strong response in the third quarter, scoring three consecutive goals to even the game at 7-7 midway through the period. The Eagles answered immediately, as sophomore Adella Mabee converted a free-position opportunity to regain the lead. Senior Averi Baker followed with another man-up goal, and Boehmcke added her third of the game off a feed from Lower. Sullivan capped the run with her second goal to give Husson an 11-7 cushion heading into the final quarter.
The Beavers cut into the deficit early in the fourth quarter, but Martinez sealed the victory with her second goal of the game in the final two minutes to secure the 12-8 win.
Boehmcke led the Eagles with three goals and one assist, while Lower recorded a four-point performance with two goals and two assists. Martinez and Sullivan each added two goals, and Baker contributed a goal and an assist in the victory.
Boehmcke also posted a game-high nine draw controls, while four different Eagles recorded two caused turnovers and Gardner added a game-high five ground balls.
Defensively, Husson controlled key possession areas, finishing with a 15-8 advantage in draw controls and a 26-22 edge in ground balls. The Eagles also forced 29 turnovers while successfully converting three of five free-position opportunities.
In goal, sophomore Finley Pomerleau made two saves in the first half before freshman Salin Bachor closed out the contest with three saves to earn the win.
Husson ends the regular season on Saturday with a trip to Thomas College for a 1 p.m. NAC contest.
