VERONA, Wis. – The Beloit College women's lacrosse team showcased resilience and offensive firepower, particularly in the second half, but ultimately fell 11-7 to Edgewood College in their season finale at Reddan Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers (7-7, 4-5 NACC) faced an early deficit, trailing 4-1 after the first period despite an early free-position goal from Maya DeGeorge (Grand Junction, Colo.) at the 10:47 mark that briefly tied the score. Edgewood extended their lead to 5-1 by halftime, shutting out Beloit in the second quarter. Goalie Zoee Pond proved tough for Edgewood, making five saves in each of the first two periods.
Coming out of halftime, Beloit clamped down defensively, holding Edgewood scoreless throughout the third period. The Buccaneer offense found its rhythm, starting with a free-position goal from senior Johanna McNair (Fishers, Ind.) at 4:26. Less than two minutes later, McNair found DeGeorge for her second goal of the game, cutting the deficit to 5-3 heading into the final quarter.
The momentum carried into the fourth as Beloit stunned the hosts with two quick goals to open the period. McNair scored just 44 seconds in, assisted by Daisy Kleinhoffer (Minooka Community HS). Just over 40 seconds later, at 13:34, McNair set up Willow Mashkuri (Middlesex, Vt.), leveling the score at 5-5 and capping a 4-0 run for the Buccaneers.
However, Edgewood responded decisively, embarking on a 6-0 scoring run over the next seven minutes, including three man-up goals, to pull away and build an 11-5 lead.
Refusing to quit, Beloit finished the game with determination. McNair netted her third goal of the day unassisted with 28 seconds remaining, and Kleinhoffer scored her first, assisted by McNair, with just five seconds left on the clock for the 11-7 final.
McNair capped off her Beloit career with a stellar performance, leading the team with five points on three goals and two assists. She fired 10 shots, putting seven on goal. DeGeorge was impactful all over the field, scoring twice, leading the team with eight ground balls and seven draw controls, and adding five caused turnovers. Mashkuri and Kleinhoffer rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece, while Kleinhoffer and first-year Cecilia Johnson (Mobile, Ala.) each added an assist.
Statistically, Beloit generated more offensive opportunities, out-shooting Edgewood 29-21 and putting 19 shots on goal compared to Edgewood's 15. The Buccaneers also held a slight edge in ground balls, collecting 29 to Edgewood's 24. However, Edgewood held a 12-9 advantage in draw controls and benefited from a strong performance by their goalie, Pond, who made 12 saves. Beloit struggled on free-position opportunities, converting only 2 of their 10 chances, while Edgewood capitalized on 2 of 5. Beloit goalie Kim Polin recorded four saves in the contest.
Despite the final score, the Buccaneers' second-half surge, particularly the comeback to tie the game early in the fourth quarter, highlighted the team's fight and potential heading into the offseason.
