OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Stevenson women's lacrosse (0-4) returned home to face the University of Rochester (2-1) for the first time in program history, resulting in a close 11-8 loss for the Mustangs.
 
Junior midfield Kara Yarusso netted three goals on the afternoon. Senior defense Erin Olenchalk, freshman attack/ midfield Marisa Massimini, and first year defense Maddie Kline scored their first goals this season. In the loss, the Mustangs recovered 17 ground balls, made 11 total free position shots, and made seven saves with senior Sophie Shucosky in goal.
 
FIRST QUARTER
The Yellow Jackets made an early push, scoring just under a minute into the game. Olenchalk quickly tied the game, the first of five ties, just over a minute later. Massimini had her first career goal minutes later, giving the Mustangs their first lead. The game's second tie came with just over four minutes remaining, and the opening quarter ended at 2-2.
 
SECOND QUARTER
With Yarusso's first goal of the afternoon, the Mustangs topped the Yellow Jackets again with 11:15 remaining, bringing the score to 3-2. Rochester tied the game seconds later., and following another Yellow Jackets score, the Mustangs tied the game again at 4-4 with just over seven minutes remaining in the half. Yarusso's second goal came almost two minutes later, securing the Mustangs' last lead of the afternoon. The Yellow Jackets tied once more to end the half 5-5.
 
THIRD QUARTER
After Rochester scored two goals in the first half of the quarter, the Mustangs found an opportunity with 7:34 remaining. Sophomore midfield Kellyann Coccia netted her fourth goal of the season with sophomore defense Isabelle VanEmburgh on the assist. Coccia and Yarusso notched close attempts, but were just short as the Yellow Jackets scored once more as the third quarter ended 8-6.
 
FOURTH QUARTER
Yarusso scored her third goal in the final quarter, bringing the Mustangs within two goals. Kline scored her first career goal to lift the Mustangs to eight, but Stevenson remained three goals behind the Yellow Jackets. The match ended 11-8 with the Mustangs just short of the win.
 
UP NEXT
The Mustangs are home for a match on Wednesday, March 8 against the University of Mary Washington at 7 p.m. The Yellow Jackets travel to Ithaca College on Saturday, Mar. 11 for a 1 p.m. match.