FAIRFAX, Va. – The Howard University women's lacrosse team fell to George Mason Patriots, 15–6, Tuesday afternoon at George Mason Stadium.

Sophomore midfielder Leah Croom (Falmouth, Mass.) led the Bison offense with two goals. Senior attack Tea Vasquez(Oakland, Calif.) recorded a goal and an assist, while junior midfielder Gabrielle Nelson (Cincinnati, Ohio), sophomore attacker Kyla Newkirk (Durham, N.C.) and freshman attack Nyah McKinney (West Orange, N.J.) each added a goal.

Freshman goalkeeper London James-Golas (Annapolis, Md.) anchored the defense with 11 saves.

George Mason opened the scoring less than a minute into the contest, but Howard responded midway through the first quarter when Vasquez converted a free-position opportunity to tie the game, 1–1.

The Patriots seized momentum in the second quarter, scoring eight goals to build a 9–2 advantage heading into halftime.

Howard continued to battle throughout the second half. McKinney scored late in the third quarter, notching her first collegiate goal, and Nelson added a fourth-quarter goal off an assist from Vasquez. Croom capped the Bison scoring with two goals down the stretch, including a free-position strike and a final tally in the closing minute.

Defensively, senior midfielder Kendall Barker (Columbus, Ohio) contributed three ground balls and three caused turnovers as the Bison totaled 16 ground balls and 28 shots in the contest.

Howard now turns its attention to conference play.

The Bison return to action Saturday (March 14) when they travel to Long Island University for their Northeast Conference opener. First draw is set for 11 a.m. in Brooklyn, N.Y.

For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.