PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL -  The Smith College lacrosse (5-3) dropped a non-conference tilt to 10th-ranked Denison (6-1) University Wednesday evening, 18-7.

Smith opened the first quarter with a quick start as Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School) scored the first goal at 13:40. Caroline Weyhrich (Boise, ID/Boise) extended the Bears' lead to 2-0 with a goal at 12:56. The Big Red responded with Grayson O'Marra scoring at 10:30, followed by Finlay Harmon's goal, assisted by Mary Martinson, to level the score at 2–2. Denison took the lead with a goal by Madison Goldstein at 4:47, but Hawk countered with her second goal at 3:34 to tie it up again. The Big Red regained the lead at 3:00 with a goal from Addie Clift, ending the quarter with a 4–3 advantage.

Denison capitalized on early turnovers by Smith, with Grace Schlossberg causing a turnover and facilitating a scoring opportunity. Grayson O'Marra opened the quarter's scoring at 13:57 with a goal assisted by Finlay Harmon. Mk Barnhart extended the Big Red's lead with a goal at 13:32, assisted by Sophie Davenport. Despite multiple turnover exchanges, Denison maintained momentum, with Mary Martinson netting a goal at 6:49. The Bears' Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley) made crucial saves, but Denison's effective control and clear attempts allowed it to finish the quarter leading 7–3.

The third quarter saw the Big Red extend its lead with a series of goals, starting with Mary Martinson's score at 6:42, assisted by Bridget Sheehy. Madison Goldstein followed with a solo effort at 6:10, and Mk Barnhart added another goal at 3:44 with an assist from Finlay Harmon. Smith responded with Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School) scoring twice, at 11:15 and 2:10, both efforts keeping the visitors within reach. Despite a strong effort, the Bears trailed the Big Red 12–6 by the end of the quarter, with Jenna Paczkowski's (Jupiter, FL/Choate Rosemary Hall) goal at 00:50, assisted by Brooke Everson (Chapel Hill, NC/East Chapel Hill), closing out the scoring for Smith.

Grayson O'Marra initiated Denison's fourth-quarter scoring with a goal at the 14:25 mark following a turnover caused by Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley). Finlay Harmon then extended the lead with a goal assisted by Bridget Sheehy, bringing the score to 14–6. Despite Smith's efforts, including draw controls by Caroline Sanders (Orange County, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic) and a late goal by Emma Butterick (Windsor, CT/Windsor) at 00:30, Denison maintained control with additional goals from Mary Martinson, Maddie Chase, and Sydney Lavin, leading to a decisive 18–7 victory. The Bears' attempts were frequently thwarted by Denison's defense and the goalkeeping of Julianne Henigan.

Smith Top Performers
Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School)
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- 4 goals
- 7 shots
- 1 free position goal

Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley)
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- 8 saves
- 16 goals against

Caroline Weyhrich (Boise, ID/Boise)
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- 1 goal
- 2 shots on goal

Emma Butterick (Windsor, CT/Windsor)
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- 1 goal
- 1 shot on goal

Up Next
Smith travels to Clark University on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00pm.

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 GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook, and  Instagram.