WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The University of Hartford women's lacrosse team picked up their first home win of the 2025 season defeating Smith College by a 18-16. 

Rapid Recap:

• The Hawks jumped ahead by a 6-0 margin as sophomore Madison Olmstead (Wolcott, Conn.) powered home the first two goals in her return to the field. Sophomore Talei Ricketson (Centennial, Colo.) picked up the third goal, followed by senior Meghan Smith (Orange, Conn.) strike and finished by a pair of free position goals by junior Sara Costa (Shrub Oak, N.Y.). The Pioneers battled right back with four consecutive goals to cut the deficit to just 6-4. Smith would score another goal to end the first quarter with Hartford leading 7-4.
• Olmstead powered in her third goal of the day to keep the Hawks in front 8-4. Smith College continued to keep the game within reach going on another three goal run as the lead was trimmed to one. Smith and Olmstead continued to keep the Hawks in front each scoring from a free position to push the lead back to 10-7. The Pioneers battled back with four of the next five as the score was 11-11 with 19 seconds to play. Sophomore Katie Graham (Colchester, Conn.) gave the Hawks the lead scoring a final second free position to be up 12-11. 
• Smith College evened the score again, but Olmstead and Smith kept the home team in front each powering home goals to keep the lead. The Pioneers scored two more times as the game was 14-14 headed into the fourth. 
• Smith and Olmstead paired up again each getting goals as the Hawks led 16-14 with 11:47 to play. Smith College would get two goals back to even the score yet again as it was 16-16 with 7:04 to play. Smith netted the game winner on a free position, before Olmstead added the insurance goal as the Hawks led 18-16. The Pioneers would get one final chance, but could not get it on net as Hartford won 18-16. 

Post Game Press:
"I wanted to come back on a high note," said sophomore Madison Olmstead (Wolcott, Conn.). "The attack really needed some tempo and that worked well for the team today. We worked well as a team and it's good to be back. I think pre-conference play is a set up for how we're are going to play in the conference and this two game win momentum is key for us, and we are setting ourselves up for success."

Inside The Numbers:

• Olmstead returned with a great game scoring seven goals to go with an assist and two caused turnovers. Smith registered nine points scoring seven times with two assists and eight draws. Costa added two goals and three draw controls. 
• Defensively junior Shelby Frashure (Pasadena, Md.) led the way with three caused turnovers. Junior Samantha Ciaglo (Colchester, Conn.) added four grounders and a caused turnover.
• Between the pipes sophomore Mandi Rivard (Vernon, Conn.) saved seven shots in the win. 

Up Next:
The Hawks will return home on Wednesday at 5:00 PM when they host Keene State College. 

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