WEST HAVEN, Conn. — The New Haven Lacrosse (4-8, 3-4) secured an 11-9 victory over Howard University (3-11, 2-5) on Wednesday. The Chargers' offense was anchored by a strong first quarter, where they scored four goals. Despite a third-quarter surge from Howard, which added four goals to its tally, New Haven sealed the win with four more goals in the final quarter.

The game began with Howard taking an early lead through a free position goal by Alyssa Charles at 12:48. New Haven quickly responded as Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton) secured the draw control, leading to a goal by Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) at 11:56, assisted by Seleny. This assist was the first of Seleny's season-high eight assists during the game. The Chargers continued their offensive momentum with a goal by Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial), again assisted by Seleny, at 9:48, followed by a free position goal by Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich) at 8:22. Dunwoody, who has now scored five or more goals in two consecutive games, demonstrated her scoring prowess throughout the match.

In the final minutes of the quarter, Dunwoody scored again at 1:56, pushing New Haven's lead to 4-1 before Howard called a timeout. The quarter concluded with New Haven leading 4-1.

The second quarter saw the Blue & Gold seize momentum after an early challenge. Following a goal by Howard's Tea Vasquez at 13:26, New Haven responded with a strategic timeout at 8:46. This led to a series of successful plays, highlighted by a player-up goal from Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) at 7:57, assisted by Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial). New Haven continued its offensive push with Summer Castiglione (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) scoring at 7:09, assisted by Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton), who also controlled the draw. Another goal by Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich), again assisted by Seleny, at 2:22, capped off their scoring run. The quarter ended with New Haven leading 7-2.

The Chargers faced a challenging third quarter as Howard mounted a comeback. Howard's Sawyer Walker scored early at 11:54 with an assist from Sophia Lima, narrowing New Haven's lead. Despite several turnovers and penalties, New Haven's defense, including key saves by Ainsley Bourbeau (Willington, Conn./E.O. Smith), held firm against multiple Howard attacks. Howard's Leah Croom scored twice more, including a player-up goal, contributing to Howard's four-goal surge. The quarter concluded with New Haven still in the lead, 7-6.

In the fourth quarter, New Haven capitalized on several key opportunities to secure an 11-9 victory over Howard. Helena Dunwoody's (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich) goal at 12:49, assisted by Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton), initiated New Haven's scoring run. Seleny continued the momentum with a goal at 10:01, receiving an assist from Dunwoody. Dunwoody added another goal at 2:55, extending the lead further. Lucy Shafer (Haymarket, Va./Battfleield) later scored at 1:46, again assisted by Seleny, solidifying New Haven's advantage. Despite a late goal by Howard's Leah Croom at 1:31, New Haven maintained its lead to finish the game.

New Haven Top Performers

Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich)
----------------------
- 5 goals
- 1 game-winning goal
- 7 shots on goal

Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton)
----------------------
- 1 goal
- 8 assists
- 2 shots on goal

Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River)
----------------------
- 2 goals
- 3 shots
- 1 player-up goal

Ainsley Bourbeau (Willington, Conn./E.O. Smith)
----------------------
- 14 saves
- 30 shots faced

In their next game, the Chargers will face Stonehill College on Saturday, April 11. The matchup is set to begin at noon in North Easton, Massachusetts.