FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's lacrosse team started out hot, but ultimately fell to the Rhode Island Rams on Saturday, 15-8.
The team hosted a special guest as their honorary captain for today's game - the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin. Mrs. Youngkin was in attendance for the "It Only Takes One" Fentanyl Awareness game - a cause she has be actively working to bring awareness to in her position as First Lady.
The Patriots came out firing in the first quarter, scoring five times behind goals from Dahlia Trippel, Kate Anders (2), Riley Ellis, and Kaitlyn Bestick. George Mason's energy and ball movement overwhelmed the Rams early, as they jumped to a 5-3 lead at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter saw a momentum shift as the the Patriots' offense stalled and Rhode Island capitalized. The Green & Gold was held scoreless while the Rams netted three goals—two unassisted and one on a man-up opportunity—to take a 6-5 halftime lead. Despite quality saves from Regan Bestick and strong defensive plays by Hailey Zutic and Isabella Kellogg, George Mason couldn't convert possession into points.
The Patriots battled to stay within reach in the third quarter. Catherine Pollard scored unassisted and Trippel added her second of the day on a free-position shot. But Rhode Island kept pace with three more goals of their own. George Mason trailed 9-7 heading into the final frame, but the defense continued to grind, with Kellogg and Ellis forcing key turnovers.
In the fourth, the Rams pulled away with six goals to Mason's one. Kaitlyn Bestick briefly cut the deficit to two with her second goal, assisted by Anders, but it was the last Patriot score of the day. Rhode Island's offense surged late while the Patriots struggled with turnovers and fouls. Despite the final result, the Green & Gold showed toughness early and flashes of what they're capable of when playing at full speed.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots host La Salle on Saturday, April 19 at 12 p.m. for Senior Day. A live stream will be available on ESPN+.
