Women’s Lacrosse: Terriers Fall to No. 22 Loyola Maryland

Featured Image by Jenny Chen

By Kasie Costalas

Despite multiple second half pushes and a late-game controversy, Boston University Women’s Lacrosse (5-6, 1-2 PL) was unable to catch up to #22 Loyola Maryland (6-4, 2-1 PL) in a 13-8 loss on Saturday. 

Junior Tessa Geddes, who leads the Terriers with 31 points for the season, took on a 1v1 across the right elbow and put the ball in the back of the net. Less than two minutes later, she drove again—this time down the left lane— to extend BU’s first and only lead of the game. 

With Loyola’s first two goals overturned for a crease violation and dangerous follow through, the Terriers defense held the Greyhounds for the first 10 minutes of play. However, thanks to an icebreaker shot by attacker Ava Kane, Loyola managed to go on a four goal run to end the first quarter, putting them up 5-2. 

The Greyhounds extended their lead with back-to-back goals, but BU’s defense stepped up. With 7 minutes left in the half, senior defender Siri Hodgins, who leads BU with 26 caused turnovers, got a clean back check off in the 8-meter. The Terriers’ possession turned into a goal as senior Elle Stevenson took an overhand rip while driving down the alley. 

Freshman midfielder, Karina Harrison, followed it up with her first goal of the game on an 8-meter penalty to cut the deficit to two. 

Despite the Terriers’ short-lived momentum, Loyola managed to score another three unanswered goals. Sophomore Mim Suares-Jury led the effort, adding her second goal and fifth assist of the game for a career-high seven points. 

Late into a difficult third quarter, Harrison broke the dry spell for BU by scoring off a second 8-meter. The Terriers won possession off the draw and capitalized again. BU Midfielder Reilly Walshe drew two Greyhound defenders and dumped it to fellow junior Alex Cutone, who scored her 8th goal of the season at the 48 second mark. 

Loyola started off the final frame with a quick goal to extend their lead to 10-6. Then, BU sophomore Kaitlyn Barton picked off a pass, once again allowing the Terriers to translate a caused turnover into a goal. Geddes absorbed contact on another 1v1 drive to secure a hat trick and bring the Terriers within three. 

Although Loyola answered back quickly, senior Jane Feeney responded for BU as she squeezed in a goal with just one second remaining on the shot clock.

A glimmer of false hope came with less than 5 minutes to play. After a difficult possession, the Terriers failed to connect on an inside feed just as the shot clock expired. However, officials reviewed the play and ruled that Loyola fouled the Terriers’ attacker. BU was rewarded with 3 more seconds and an 8-meter penalty. 

Stevenson scored from the second hash, bringing the Terriers within two goals. However, after another official review, the goal was wiped as the referees determined it was BU freshman Avery Cutair that had been fouled. Cutair’s second attempt for the Terriers was unsuccessful and Loyola managed to power through the final minutes of play, scoring another two goals to end the game 13-8. 

The Terriers will look for a senior day win at their next matchup against American on Saturday March 28th at 11 a.m. at Nickerson Field.