SPRINGFIELD - The Smith College lacrosse team had a strong fourth quarter, but ultimately fell to Springfield, 17-8, in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) road contest Wednesday evening on a rainy Stagg Field. 

Smith dropped to 4-6 on the season and 1-2 in the NEWMAC. The Pride improve to 7-2 on the year and 3-0 in league action. 

By the Numbers

• Caroline Sanders (Orange County, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic) lead the way offensively for the Pioneers scoring two and adding two assists with two ground balls and two draw controls
• Gia Arancio (Smithtown, N.Y./Hauppauge) also added two, while Jennie Arancio (Smithtown, N.Y./Hauppauge) scored two with five draw controls and three ground balls
• Shannon Houtenville (East Windsor, NJ/Highstown) made four saves in three quarters of action. Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley) stopped a shot and allowed one goal in the fourth quarter
• Springfield held a 36-21 advantage in shots and 23-18 edge in ground balls

Game Highlights

• Springfield lit up the scoreboard for four goals in the opening 10 minutes of the game before Jennie Arancio (Smithtown, N.Y./Hauppauge) scored unassisted and Sanders found the back of the net to make it 4-2 with 2:11 remaining in the first. Samantha Andersen beat the buzzer with three seconds left in the opening period for a 5-2 lead. 
• The Pride's offense exploded for seven goals to begin the second but Smith scored back-to-back with under 30 seconds remaining in the half to make it 12-4 at the break. 
• Springfield outscored Smith 4-0 in the third, but the Pioneers responded in the final period with four goals for the 17-8 final

Up Next
Smith looks to snap a three-game skid when it hosts Coast Guard on Saturday, March 30 at 12:00pm. 

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.