POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Hartford Women's Lacrosse traveled down to Vassar College and dropped game one of their 2026 campaign in a 12-10 shootout.

Rapid Recap:

• Although Hartford would fire the first shot in this one, Vassar jumped out to an early lead, netting two straight goals within the first three and a half minutes of game clock. The Hawks had to fight back early and they would, as senior midfielder Sara Costa (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) sent a shot home scoring the first Hartford goal of the year. Both teams would trade a goal in the middle of the first period making the score 4-2 with junior midfielder Laurel McIntosh (West Kingston, R.I.) scoring the second for Hartford. The Hawks regained momentum within the last two minutes of the first as junior midfielder Lauren Samela (Cheshire, Conn.) sent home two goals in just 52 seconds of game clock to knot the score at four a piece entering into the second. 

• The grudge match continued into the second period as the two teams traded goals early on keeping the score tied up at five. For the Hawks, Costa netted her second goal after the quick yellow card from the Brewers midfield. For nearly the rest of the period, both defenses would stiffen, limiting opportunities and keeping the ball out of the net. This was until Samela took advantage of another power play, scoring her second goal, sending Hartford to the locker room with a one goal advantage at half.

• The Brewers came out of the half time break firing, sending home a quick goal to retie the score and keep Vassar in it. The scoring frenzy would continue, as Samela was able to toss the Hawks on her back and net two more goals in the period. This pair of goals was coupled by junior attack Talei Ricketson (Centennial, Colo.) sending home her first goal of the young season. Vassar would answer to each blow the Hawks sent, as three different Brewers sent home goals in the third to keep their squad in it. To end the period, Hartford was able to find a couple good looks but were not able to capitalize, ending the period with a one goal lead with the score at 9-8.

• That one goal lead would not last for long, as Vassar netted a goal just 40 seconds into the fourth period. Samela answered back right away for the Hawks, scoring unassisted making that her sixth goal of the contest for Hartford. Unfortunately for the Hawks however, Vassar was able to grab a second wind throughout the fourth period, peppering shots left and right until eventually they found the back of the net scoring three unanswered goals to recapture the lead and walk away victorious by the score of 12-10.
   

Inside the Numbers:

• The Brewers dominated the shots category, out shooting the Hawks by the tally of 35-19. Samela was far and beyond the shots leader for the Hawks with 10 and Tess Billings led Vassar with 11.

• Vassar also led the way in ground balls, scooping 15 to Hartford 10. Sophomore Emiley Bussiere (Agawam, Mass.) led the Hawks with two, followed by five other Hawks who picked up one apiece. Liz Lange led the Brewers with four of the 15 ground balls and was followed up by two of her teammates who both tallied two a piece.

• In net, junior goalie Mandi Rivard (Vernon, Conn.) picked up 10 saves in the loss for the Hawks whereas two separate goalies combined for four saves for the Brewers.
   

Up Next:

• Next time out, the Hawks are traveling up to Northampton, Massachusetts for a meeting with Smith College on Wednesday, March 4th at 6:00 PM. Hartford's home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th as they open up conference play against Wentworth Institute at 3:00 PM.

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