WLAX Comeback Attempt Falls Short at No 21 UConn

STORRS, Conn. — The Marquette women's lacrosse team (5-7, 0-1 BIG EAST) dropped its first contest of BIG EAST play Saturday afternoon, falling at No. 21 UConn 18-15.

The Golden Eagles made a late push in the contest behind a second-half offensive explosion, but were unable to overcome a slow start after starting the game with an 11-1 deficit. Despite trailing by 10 after two quarters, Marquette came out of the halftime break firing, scoring five unanswered goals including a pair by freshman attack/midfielder Elise Smigiel, who finished with three to tie her career high.

The Huskies then responded with a pair of goals near the end of the third quarter, before Marquette rattled off four-straight over the next four minutes of action. Marquette went on to find the net four more times and eventually pulled within two goals at 17-15, but time expired before it was able to complete the comeback.

In total, Marquette outscored UConn 13-6 in the second half, and out-shot the Huskies 34-31 in the game. The draw control battle was narrowly won by Connecticut, 20-17.

Senior attacker Shea Garcia led Marquette's scoring efforts with her sixth hat trick of the season, finishing with four goals, while junior midfielder Emma Soccodato netted three of her own for her third hat trick of the year. Junior attacker Mary Schumar once again was the team's top facilitator, recording a career-high six assists. She also netted a goal to total seven points along with two ground balls.

Sophomore defender Audrey Brett played a key role for MU as she picked up a game-high and career-high five ground balls in the contest.

Amanda Rumsey and Brynna Nixon each spent time in net for Marquette, Rumsey playing 38:58 and recording five saves, Nixon playing the remaining 21:02.

The Huskies (10-1, 1-0 BIG EAST) were paced by Kate Shaffer, who led the squad with five goals.

UP NEXT: Marquette now returns home for four-straight contests at Valley Fields, beginning with a contest against Villanova on Saturday, April 9, at Noon CT. Links to a stream and live stats will be available on GoMarquette.com.

Keep up with the Marquette women's lacrosse program all season long through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWLax) and Instagram (@MarquetteWLax) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWLax).