WEST HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven Lacrosse (2-7, 1-3) faced a challenging contest, falling to LIU (6-5, 3-1) by a score of 11-9 on Saturday. Despite a strong second quarter where the Chargers netted four goals, they could not overcome LIU's steady scoring throughout the game. LIU capitalized with two player-up goals, while New Haven managed one player-up goal late in the fourth quarter.

The game began with New Haven's Ainsley Bourbeau (Willington, Conn./E.O. Smith) in goal, showcasing early defensive prowess with multiple saves against LIU's attempts. New Haven took the early lead with a goal from Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) at 10:42, followed by Caitlin Seleny's (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton) goal at 7:27. Lucy Shafer (Haymarket, Va./Battfleield) added another at 4:10, giving the Chargers a 3-1 advantage.

LIU responded with two quick goals, including one by Erin Harkins at 2:33 and another by Julia Trainor at 1:48, tying the score at 3-3 by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich) ignited New Haven's offense with back-to-back goals at 12:03 and 11:15, shifting momentum in favor of the home team. Seleny extended the lead with a goal at 10:21. LIU regrouped with a timeout and responded with a player-up goal by Trainor at 9:05. New Haven answered back with a free position goal by Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) at 5:19, assisted by Seleny, tying the game at 7-7 at halftime.

The third quarter saw New Haven struggling to capitalize on its chances despite controlling several draw controls. Seleny and her teammates were thwarted by LIU's goalkeeper, Skyler Fig, who made key saves. LIU extended its lead with goals from Harkins and Selia Lyons, including a decisive free position shot, ending the quarter with LIU leading 10-7.

In the fourth quarter, New Haven narrowed the gap with a player-up goal from Devaney, assisted by Seleny at 9:07. Dunwoody added another goal at 6:34, further reducing the deficit. Despite causing turnovers and enduring penalty cards in the final minutes, New Haven's comeback fell short, as the game concluded with LIU holding an 11-9 lead.

New Haven's top performers included Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton) with 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 shots on goal; Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) with 2 goals, 6 shots on goal, and 1 player-up goal; and Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich) with 3 goals and 5 shots on goal.

Up Next, the Chargers will host Le Moyne College at Kathy Zolad Stadium in West Haven, Conn. The game is scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at 1 p.m.