WASHINGTON (March 21, 2026) – Howard University lacrosse mounted an impressive second-half comeback, but ultimately fell short, 14-12, to Le Moyne College Saturday afternoon at Greene Stadium.
 
After trailing by as many as nine goals early in the third quarter, the Bison (1-8, 0-2 NEC) stormed back with a relentless offensive push, outscoring the Dolphins, 8-3, over the final 25 minutes of play.
 
Le Moyne (7-2, 2-0 NEC) opened the game with back-to-back goals, carrying a 3-2 edge after the first quarter. Howard kept pace early behind goals from freshman midfielder Sophia Lima (Altadena, Calif.) and sophomore attacker Taylor Harris (Kennesaw, Ga.).
 
The Dolphins used a dominant 8-2 second quarter run to take a 11-4 halftime advantage.
 
The Dolphins extended their lead midway, 13-4, through the third before Howard began to shift momentum.
 
Junior midfielder Gabrielle Nelson (Cincinnati) sparked the run with a goal, followed by scores from Harris and sophomore midfielder Leah Croom (Falmouth, Mass.) to close the gap, 13-7, entering the fourth frame.
 
Howard's comeback effort intensified in the final period.
 
Lima opened the quarter with a free-position goal and Nelson added another to cut the deficit to four, 13-9.
 
After Le Moyne briefly halted the run, the Bison capitalized on multiple player-up opportunities in the closing minutes.
 
Nelson capped her performance, recording her first collegiate hat trick with a man-up goal while freshman defense/midfielder Rylie Davis (Houston) and graduate student attack/midfielder Sawyer Walker (Rehoboth Beach, Del.) added back-to-back scores just 24 seconds apart to bring Howard within two, 14-12, with just over two minutes remaining; however, the Bison were unable to complete the comeback down the stretch.
 
Lima and Nelson led the Bison with three goals each, with the Cincinnati trio marking a career milestone. Lima also dished out an assist in a four-point performance.
 
Croom and Harris added two scores apiece while Walker and Davis each contributed a goal.
 
Howard controlled the draw circle, winning 19 draw controls compared to Le Moyne's eight, led by Walker's game-high nine. The Bison also held advantages in ground balls (15-10) and total shots (26-22), but turnovers and a decisive second quarter proved to be the difference.
 
Howard will look to bounce back on the road as it travels to face Delaware State Wednesday, March 25. Opening draw is set for 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.