NORTHAMPTON - The Smith College lacrosse team outlasted Wheaton, 13-9, on Wednesday evening, securing a key NEWMAC win for the Bears. Smith improves to 7-3 on the year with a 3-0 mark in conference play. The Lyons drop to 6-3 overall and 1-2 in the NEWMAC. Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral) and Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School) eached scored six goals for the Bears.

The game commenced with Smith's Caroline Sanders (Orange County, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic) securing the draw control, quickly leading to Kyra Hawk's (San Jose, CA/The Harker School) goal at 14:41. Midway through the period, Wheaton's Jessica Chamberlin tied the game at 8:51, followed by a goal from Kaydie O'Neil at 7:53, giving the Lyons a 2-1 advantage. However, Smith responded with Hawk scoring twice more, including a goal at 5:45 and another free position shot at 3:48, regaining the lead for the Bears at the end of the first quarter, 3-2. Smith's defense, anchored by Brooke Testa (Pittstown, NJ/Delaware Valley) with key saves, helped maintain its advantage heading into the second quarter.

Wheaton opened the second quarter with a goal by O'Neil at 12:50, followed by another at 9:30, assisted by Lucy Knof, to take a two-goal lead. The Bears responded with a goal from Hawk at 9:01, assisted by Brooke Everson (Chapel Hill, NC/East Chapel Hill), and tied the game with another Hawk tally at 5:29. The Lyons briefly regained the lead with a goal from Claudia Shoemaker at 3:39, but Hawk completed her hat trick at 2:51, leveling the score once more. Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral) secured a lead for Smith with a goal at 0:45, assisted by Danika Lipchitz (Needham, MA/Gann Academy), ending the quarter with a 7-5 advantage.

Fitzgerald opened the third quarter with a goal at 13:01, pushing Smith's advantage. Fitzgerald scored again at 7:48, assisted by Sanders, bringing the score to 9-5. Wheaton responded with a pair of goals from Natalie Bilodeau, both on free position shots at 3:51 and 1:36, reducing the deficit to two. Despite Wheaton's late efforts, Smith maintained a 9-7 advantage by the end of the period.

Smith pulled away in the fourth quarter, securing a 13-9 victory over the Lyons. Fitzgerald scored three goals, including a free position goal at the 43-second mark, which was pivotal in maintaining Smith's lead. Everson and Fitzgerald each contributed goals early in the quarter, further extending the home team's advantage. Despite late goals from Wheaton's Georgia Qua and Annemieke Buterbaugh, Smith' held on for the 13-9 win.

Smith Top Performers
Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral)
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- 6 goals
- 11 shots
- 1 game-winning goal

Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School)
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- 6 goals
- 8 shots
- 5 unassisted goals

Caroline Sanders (Orange County, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic)
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- 2 assists
- 6 shots
 

Up Next
The Bears are back in action on Saturday, March 28 at Babson College, with opening draw set for 1:00pm.

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.