WEST HAVEN, Conn. (April 8, 2026) – Howard University women's lacrosse team used a second-half charge to erase a five-goal halftime deficit, but New Haven (UNH) outlasted HU in the fourth period to win, 11-9, in West Haven, Conn.
 
Trailing, 7-2, at intermission, HU responded with a 4-0 third quarter. Second-year Bison midfielder Leah Croom (Falmouth, Mass.) spearheaded the run, earning a hat trick (three goals) in the period.
 
Graduate attacker Sawyer Walker (Rehoboth Beach, Del.) scored the first goal after halftime, thanks to an assist from reigning NEC Rookie of the Week midfielder Sophia Lima (Altadena, Calif.).
 
Moments into the fourth, senior attacker Chase Coleman (Houston) found fellow Houston native Ryan Davis and tied the contest, 7-7.
 
UNH (4-8, 3-4 NEC) ended HU's scoring run with three unanswered goals to pull away with less than two minutes left, 11-8.
 
With 91 ticks remaining, Croom closed the match with her fourth goal.
 
Croom finished with four goals, two ground balls and two caused turnovers. Senior attacker Tea Vasquez (Oakland, Calif.) added a pair of scores while Walker produced a match-leading 11 draw controls.
 
Vasquez and freshman midfielder Alyssa Charles (East Islip, N.Y.) scored HU's first two goals in the opening half.
 
Helena Dunwoody led the Chargers with a match-best six points (five goals & one assist).
 
The Bison (3-11, 2-5 NEC) return home to host Mercyhurst in NEC action Saturday (April 11). The opening draw is set for noon at Greene Stadium in D.C.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.