NCAA Tournament Recap: Loyola Maryland Women’s Lacrosse vs. Stony Brook
In an intense NCAA Tournament first-round matchup, the Loyola University Maryland women’s lacrosse team faced off against Stony Brook University on Friday evening. Despite standout performances from Chase Boyle and Georgia Latch, who both recorded hat tricks, the Greyhounds ultimately suffered an 11-8 defeat.
Key Performers Shine
Boyle and Latch not only contributed three goals each but also orchestrated the offense by providing all of the team’s assists. Latch’s two assists were particularly noteworthy, as they allowed her to surpass the Loyola single-season assist record and match the Patriot League record.
Game Flow
The first half was a tightly contested affair, featuring a back-and-forth scoring exchange that saw Stony Brook lead 7-5 at halftime. Loyola excelled in draw controls, capturing 7 to Stony Brook’s 6, while both teams struggled with turnovers, each committing seven in the first period.
As the second half commenced, Loyola made a strong showing, scoring two quick goals to equalize at 7-7 with 6:39 left in the third quarter. However, Stony Brook responded decisively, launching a 4-0 run that significantly shifted the momentum in their favor over the next 12 minutes.
Defensive Efforts
Loyola demonstrated strong control in the draw circle, finishing with a 14-8 advantage. Goalie Lauren Spence made a valiant effort, recording 10 saves to keep the Greyhounds competitive in the match. Despite these efforts, Loyola faced challenges in shot production, being outshot 34-24 throughout the game.
Additional Contributions
Gabby Stapleton added two goals for the Greyhounds, complemented by an assist from Mim Suares-Jury, contributing to the team’s overall effort.
Season Overview
With this loss, Loyola concludes a strong season, finishing with a 13-7 record. This match marked the team’s 26th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and the 13th appearance under the guidance of Head Coach Jen Adams, further solidifying the program’s competitive stature.
As the season wraps up, the Greyhounds reflect on their achievements and look forward to building on this foundation for future contests.
