SPRINGFIELD - The Smith College lacrosse team made a late push but ultimately fell to Springfield College, 11-9 on Stagg Field Wednesday evening in NEWMAC action. The Bears dip to 8-6, 4-3 on the year, while the Pride move to 6-6 and 4-2 in the NEWMAC.

The match began with Smith securing an early advantage as Jenna Paczkowski (Jupiter, FL/Choate Rosemary Hall) scored the first goal at 8:43, assisted by Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral). The Bears extended its lead when Caroline Weyhrich (Boise, ID/Boise) found the net at 3:54. Springfield responded with a goal by Lily Johnson, assisted by Izzy Lalancette, at 3:23. The quarter concluded with Smith leading 2-1 after several turnovers and defensive stops by both teams.

Smith opened the second quarter with a goal by Paczkowski just 13 seconds into play. However, the Pride quickly responded with a tally from Molly Forrest at 12:56, tying the match. Sarah Newton, assisted by Johnson, put Springfield ahead, and Johnson then extended the lead with back-to-back goals, including one from a free position shot. Late in the quarter, Fitzgerald got on the board for Smith, narrowing the gap to 6-4. Springfield's Kaelynn Stringer capped the quarter with a goal assisted by Liz Neri, ending the quarter with Springfield leading 7-4.

The Pride put two on the board in the third to go ahead 9-4 before Everson found the back of the net at 3:07 to make it 9-5.

Smith began the fourth quarter with decisive momentum as Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School) scored at 14:41, assisted by Emma Butterick (Windsor, CT/Windsor). Despite turnover challenges, Smith capitalized again when Hawk found the net with 8:16 remaining, following a strategic timeout. Everson added to Smith's tally with a goal at 4:48, assisted by Hawk, tightening the scoreline. Fitzgerald's unassisted goal at 2:47 brought Smith closer, but Springfield maintained its lead, ultimately securing the game 11-9 as Sophie Adams scored Springfield's final goal with 3:11 on the clock.

Smith Top Performers
Layna Fitzgerald (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral)
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- 2 goals
- 1 assist

Brooke Everson (Chapel Hill, NC/East Chapel Hill)
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- 2 goals
- 3 shots

Kyra Hawk (San Jose, CA/The Harker School)
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- 2 goals
- 1 assist

Jenna Paczkowski (Jupiter, FL/Choate Rosemary Hall)
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- 2 goals
- 1 assist

Up Next
Smith aims to get back in the win column Saturday at Wellesley at 1:00pm

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