WASHINGTON (February 6, 2026) – Howard University women's lacrosse fell in its season opener at George Washington (GW), 22-7, despite jumping out to the early lead.
 
Second-year Bison Leah Croom (Falmouth, Mass.) got HU on the board first with an unassisted goal, 1-0, but the Revolutionaries responded with three unanswered goals, 3-1.
 
Graduate Sawyer Walker (Rehoboth Beach, Del.) scored her first goal of the season with more than six minutes left in the opening frame and pulled the Bison within one, 3-2.
 
GW answered again with three more goals to close out the first period, 6-2.
 
Walker and rookie Sophia Lima (Altadena, Calif.) each scored in the second frame, but the Revolutionaries tallied nine goals to take a 15-4 advantage at halftime.
 
Croom recorded her second goal of the day after intermission, thanks to an assist from fellow classmate Kyla Newkirk (Durham, N.C.).
 
Newkirk and Walker closed out the scoring for HU with each registering an unassisted goal.
 
Walker ended her season debut with an impressive 19 draw controls and three goals. Croom (two goals) and Newkirk (one goal & one assist) each had two points.
 
Defensively, senior Kendall Barker (Columbus, Ohio) had four ground balls while freshman London James-Golas (Annapolis, Md.) notched four saves.
 
For GW (1-0), Mia Milkowski led the way with seven points (four goals & three assists).
 
Tuesday (Feb. 10), HU (0-1) continues its early season road swing in Richmond, Va., against VCU. First draw is scheduled for noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.