ERIE, Pa. (March 15, 2025) – Howard University women's lacrosse team scored a season-high 13 goals, but it was not enough, falling to Mercyhurst (MC), 15-13, in Northeast Conference (NEC) action.
 
Graduate attacker Sawyer Walker (Magnolia, Del.) led the Bison with 10 draw controls and five goals.
 
Walker, senior midfielder Maya Rhymes (Coatesville, Pa.) and rookie attacker Kyla Newkirk (Durham, N.C.) each scored unassisted goals in the opening period, but the Lakers held a 4-3 edge after one.
 
Offensively, both squads combined for 11 goals in the second quarter. Newcomer midfielder Leah Croom (Miami) found Walker with 46 ticks before intermission and tied the contest at halftime, 9-9.
 
Mercyhurst created separation after the break, outscoring HU, 4-1, in the third period while taking a three-goal advantage into the fourth quarter, 13-10.
 
Maggie Sheehan scored the Lakers' final goal with 8:35 remaining, 15-11, but the Bison refused to go away. Croom and Sawyer each scored late in the fourth period to pull the Bison within two goals, but the comeback bid would fall short, 15-13.
 
Croom finished with three points (two goals & one assist) and a draw control in the loss.
 
Whitley Easton led Mercyhurst with 12 points (eight assists & four goals) and four ground balls in the win.
 
Howard (0-7, 0-1 NEC) continues its road trip with a conference matchup at FDU Saturday (March 22) in Teaneck, N.J. Game time is set for noon and fans can follow the action live on NEC Front Row.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.