WASHINGTON, D.C. – Howard University women's lacrosse dropped a close Northeast Conference (NEC) matchup to FDU, 8-7, Saturday afternoon at the Nats Youth Academy.
Howard (2-9, 1-3 NEC) showed resilience throughout, outshooting FDU 25-18 and controlling the draw circle with a 15-2 advantage, but a decisive third quarter proved to be the difference in the one-goal loss.

The Bison struck first behind senior Tea Vasquez (Oakland, CA), who converted a free-position opportunity midway through the opening frame. Graduate student Sawyer Walker (Rehoboth Beach, DE) followed just 28 seconds later off an assist from freshman Alyssa Charles (East Islip, NY) to give Howard an early 2-0 lead.

FDU responded with a goal late in the first and surged ahead in the second quarter, capitalizing on multiple player-up opportunities. Despite trailing 5-3 late in the half, Howard closed strong as Walker netted a man-up goal and freshman Sophia Lima (Altadena, CA) buried a free-position shot with four seconds remaining to even the score at 5-5 heading into halftime.

The Bison briefly regained momentum in the third quarter when sophomore Leah Croom (Falmouth, MA) found the back of the net to give Howard a 6-5 advantage. FDU answered with a three-goal run, including a pair of scores in the final three minutes of the period, to take an 8-6 lead into the fourth.

Howard continued to battle in the final frame, generating multiple scoring chances. Croom struck again with 1:43 remaining on a man-up opportunity, assisted by Vasquez, to cut the deficit to one. The Bison had two late attempts from freshman Ryan Davis (Houston, TX) in the final minute, but FDU's defense held to secure the narrow victory.

Walker and Croom paced the offense with two goals apiece, while Lima, Vasquez, and junior Vanessa Ronsholdt (Stafford, VA) each added a goal. Charles contributed a team-high two assists in the effort.

Defensively, freshman goalkeeper London James-Golas (Annapolis, MD) recorded six saves, while Howard forced 16 turnovers and picked up 17 ground balls. Walker also dominated the draw controls with eight.

Howard finished 3-for-3 on free-position opportunities and converted multiple man-up chances, showcasing efficiency despite the loss.

The Bison look to bounce back on Saturday, April 4, when they travel to New Britain, Connecticut, to face Central Connecticut State. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m.

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