WEST HARTFORD, CT. - In an offensive showdown, the Smith College lacrosse team put up a strong fight but came up just short in an 18-16 loss to Hartford on Saturday afternoon at Al-Marzook Field. The Pioneers showed resilience, rallying multiple times, but Hartford was able to hold on for the win.

Game Highlights

• Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School) led the Pioneers' attack with four goals and three assists, playing a crucial role in Smith's offensive production.
• Jenna Paczkowski (Jupiter, FL/Choate Rosemary Hall) found the back of the net six times, tying for the game-high in goals.
• Caroline Sanders (Orange County, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic) contributed a hat trick, including a key power-play goal in the third quarter.
• Sadie Tschider (Piedmont, CA/Piedmont) recorded two goals and two assists, continuing her strong start to the season.
• Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral) added a goal in the second quarter off an assist from Siena Ferrucci (Weston, MA/Weston).
• Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley) and Shannon Houtenville (East Windsor, NJ/Highstown) split time in goal, combining for five saves against Hartford's relentless attack.
• Jordan Hoffman (Portland, OR/Jesuit) played a key role in transition with six draw controls and one assist.

How It Happened

Hartford opened the game with six unanswered goals, jumping out to a commanding lead in the first quarter. Smith responded late in the period, with Hawk scoring at the 6:15 mark to spark the offense. Paczkowski and Hawk added quick goals to close the gap, bringing the score to 7-4 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw an offensive surge from the Pioneers, as they outscored Hartford 7-5. Hawk, Tschider, and Paczkowski combined for five goals in the frame, while Fitzgerald's late goal brought Smith within striking distance at 12-11 heading into halftime.

Smith momentarily took control in the third quarter with a man-up goal from Paczkowski and a free-position strike from Sanders. However, Hartford responded with two late goals to maintain their lead at 14-13 heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, Hartford extended its lead with back-to-back goals, but Smith refused to back down. Sanders cut into the deficit with a free-position goal at the 10:33 mark, and just over three minutes later, she struck again off a fast-break opportunity, bringing the Pioneers within one at 16-15. With momentum on their side, Smith ramped up the defensive pressure, forcing key turnovers and controlling possession in Hartford's defensive zone. However, Hartford broke through with a goal at 5:43 to regain a two-goal cushion. The Pioneers had multiple late scoring chances, including a shot from Paczkowski that was turned away, before Hartford tacked on another goal with under five minutes remaining to secure the 18-16 victory.

Up Next

The Pioneers (2-2) will look to bounce back when they return home to face Hartwick tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. 

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.