CASTINE, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women's lacrosse team struggled to keep pace with the high-powered Maine Maritime Academy offense, falling in their North Atlantic Conference (NAC) season opener on the road Saturday afternoon.

Records

With the loss, the Beavers dropped to 1-6 overall, while the Mariners improved to 6-1, securing their second NAC victory of the season.

How It Happened

Maine Maritime came out strong, netting five goals in the opening period and never looking back. Hazel Stoddard started the scoring for the Mariners at the 11:19 mark of the first quarter. Lillian Diversi then took charge, scoring three goals in the opening period to help MMA build a commanding 5-0 lead after 15 minutes of play.

The second quarter remained scoreless for the first 11 minutes until Hadley Stoddard broke through with an unassisted goal at 3:43. The Beavers finally found the scoreboard when senior midfielder Abby Trefsger (South Portland, Maine) netted her first goal of the game with 3:17 left in the half. However, Diversi quickly responded with her fourth goal just a minute later.

Junior attacker Ruby McMinis (Wells, Maine) provided a spark for the Beavers with a shorthanded goal in the closing seconds of the half, narrowing the deficit to 7-2 and giving Farmington some momentum heading into the break.

Any hope for a comeback was short-lived, as Maine Maritime dominated the third quarter, outscoring Farmington 5-1 to open up a ten-goal lead. Hadley Stoddard struck twice, Diversi added her fifth, and Hazel Stoddard and Caitlyn Lamb each found the back of the net. Trefsger notched Farmington's only goal of the period off a feed from Lauren Girouard (Concord, Vermont).

The Mariners continued their offensive onslaught in the fourth quarter, scoring five straight goals to open their largest lead of the game, 18-3. Late goals from McMinis and Trefsger trimmed the final score to 18-5.

By the Numbers

Maine Maritime controlled the game statistically, leading in shots (33-17) and ground balls (17-11). Farmington held its own in the draw circle, with both teams securing 13 draw controls. The Beavers went 13-for-16 on clear attempts, while the Mariners finished 18-for-22.

Leaders – Farmington

• Abby Trefsger led the Beavers' offense with three goals and an assist while recording a game-high seven draw controls.

• Ruby McMinis contributed two goals and three draw controls.

• Ashlee Farrar (South Paris, Maine), Emma Dunn (Farmington, Maine), and Trefsger each recorded two ground balls.

Leaders – Maine Maritime

• Lillian Diversi had a dominant outing with six goals on eight shots and added an assist for seven total points.

• Hazel Stoddard filled the stat sheet with four goals, four assists, six draw controls, five ground balls, and three caused turnovers.

• Rebecca Caron recorded a hat trick with three goals and one ground ball.

Up Next

The Beavers return to action next Saturday as they travel to Husson University for a NAC matchup against the Eagles. Game time is set for 12:00 PM.