WASHINGTON (March 29, 2025) – Howard University women's lacrosse team held a halftime lead, but a big third quarter from Central Connecticut State (CCSU) would be the difference in a highly contested matchup at Greene Stadium. CCSU defeated HU, 16-8.
 
Freshman midfielder Leah Croom (Miami) led the Bison attack with four goals, two ground balls and two caused turnovers.
 
CCSU (1-9, 1-3 NEC) took its first lead of the contest, thanks to a goal from Katie Hurlbut, with more than eight minutes before intermission, 5-4.
 
With halftime looming, junior attacker Tea Vasquez (Oakland, Calif.) found Croom and tied the contest, 5-5, at the 5:54 mark.
 
Moments later, sophomore attacker Chloe Ronsholdt (Stafford, Va.) scored an unassisted goal and gave the Bison a 6-5 edge into intermission.
 
Central Connecticut State regained momentum with a big third quarter, outscoring the Bison, 7-0. After three, the Bison trailed, 12-6.
 
Croom and senior Marley Rhymes (Coatesville, Md.) ended the scoring drought with a pair of goals in period four, but CCSU outscored Howard in the final frame, 4-2.
 
Vasquez tallied four points (two goals & two assists) while graduate attacker Sawyer Walker (Magnolia, Del.) recorded 13 ground balls and nine draw controls in a losing effort.
 
Defensively, rookie Taylor Williams (West Chester, Pa.) notched nine saves the loss.
 
Skye Gaudio led the Blue Devils with five goals and three ground balls in the victory.
 
On April 5, Howard (1-9, 1-3 NEC) goes to North Easton, Mass., to face Stonehill. Match time is slated for noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.