BANGOR, Maine — The Husson University women's lacrosse team outlasted Maine Maritime Academy in a high-scoring North Atlantic Conference Championship matchup on Saturday afternoon at Boucher Field, earning a 12-9 victory to repeat as NAC champions.
Husson (11-4) jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice in the opening minutes as senior Averi Baker and senior Laela Martinez each found the back of the net to make it 2-0. After Maine Maritime (8-5) answered with a free-position goal, Martinez struck again on a man-up opportunity to give the Eagles a 3-1 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter featured a flurry of scoring from both sides. Sophomore Kate Boehmcke opened the frame with a goal off a feed from Baker before Baker and Martinez added to the lead to push Husson in front 6-2. Maine Maritime responded with a surge of its own, scoring five of the next six goals to even the game at 7-7 late in the half. Boehmcke's second goal of the quarter helped keep Husson within striking distance during the back-and-forth period .
Husson regained control in the third quarter, beginning with a man-up goal from Boehmcke. Baker followed with a goal off an assist from senior Gracie Gardner before adding another unassisted tally in the final minute of the period, giving the Eagles a 10-8 lead heading into the fourth.
Maine Maritime trimmed the deficit to one early in the fourth quarter, but Husson answered with timely offense down the stretch. Sophomore Reese Sullivan converted a free-position opportunity to extend the lead, and Boehmcke capped the scoring with her fourth goal of the game on a man-up chance to seal the 12-9 victory.
Baker and Boehmcke led the offensive effort with four goals apiece, while Martinez added three goals. Sullivan also found the back of the net for Husson. Gardner contributed two assists, and Baker added a pair of helpers as well.
Martinez and freshman Lauren Small each caused three turnovers, as Martinez became the new single-season program record holder for caused turnovers in the win. Boehmcke recorded a game-high seven draw controls, while Small and Boehmcke scooped up six and five ground balls respectively.
Defensively, Husson controlled key possessions, finishing with a 25-21 advantage in ground balls and forcing 29 turnovers. The Eagles also edged Maine Maritime in draw controls, 11-10, helping maintain possession in crucial moments. Freshman goalkeeper Salin Bachor recorded seven saves in the win, including five saves in the third quarter alone.
Following the game, Bohemcke was named the Most Valuable Player of the North Atlantic Conference Women's Lacrosse Championship.
The Eagles have now clinched a spot in the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse National Championship Tournament for a second-straight year, as they will find out their first round opponent on Monday in an online selection show at 10:30 a.m.
