WASHINGTON (February 7, 2025) – Howard University women's lacrosse returned to Greene Stadium Friday morning, falling, 16-7, to George Washington (GW) in its season opener.
 
The Revolutionaries (1-0) struck early, netting the game's first goal 30 seconds in. GW worked in another first-quarter goal before bringing the tally up to three in the final 30 seconds, 3-0.
 
Howard quickly joined the board 15 seconds into the second quarter with an unassisted goal by midfielder Sawyer Walker (Magnolia, Del.), 3-1.
 
The Bison held GW at bay for seven minutes until the Revolutionaries snuck another one by the Bison in goal.
 
Seconds later, Walker converted a free position shot, cutting the deficit, 4-2.
 
GW managed two more goals in the quarter for a 6-4 advantage, but with less than a minute left in the half, freshman midfielder Leah Croom (Miami) cut the score yet again, 6-3.
 
With three goals in the first three minutes of the second half, the Revolutionaries took a 9-3 lead.
 
Croom broke up the charge with her second goal of the day and it was not long before fellow freshman Kyla Newkirk (Durham, N.C.) netted her first career goal for a 9-5 board.
 
An uninterrupted four-goal run from GW gave the crosstown rival a 15-5 lead going into the final quarter.
 
Sophomore attacker Chloe Ronsholdt (Stafford, Va.) posted her first goal of the year, stopping the running clock against the Bison, 15-6.
 
Leading the way with shots and shots on goal, with five minutes left in the opener, Newkirk netted her second career goal and final score for HU.
 
Freshman Madeline Willocks (Freeport, N.Y.) recorded nine saves in her collegiate debut.
 
Walker led the game with 10 of Howard's 13 draw controls. Walker also led both teams in ground balls, scooping eight through both halves.
 
The Bison return to action Tuesday (Feb. 11) at 1 p.m., when they travel across town to face the American Eagles.
 
For the latest updates, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.