Locke Scores Hat Trick in Final Game of the Season

BALTIMORE, MD - The Goucher College Gophers (6-11 overall, 2-7) hosted the Riverhawks of Susquehanna University (9-8 overall, 4-3 conference) on Wednesday night. Despite a late push from the Gophers, they could not overcome Susquehanna's early offensive presence, dropping the contest 16-8.

The Riverhawks scored the first goal of the game off a free position attempt 30 seconds into the contest. The Gophers countered less than a minute later with a goal from Camden West, assisted by Wrenn Harney. Susquehanna caused a turnover, which led to their second goal of the game. Kennedy Harper added a save off a shot from Susquehanna at the 8:12 mark, yet after winning the ball back, Susquehanna added their third (7:52). Two minutes later,  Nia Brooks caused a turnover, leading the Gophers to an offensive surge. Despite this momentum, they could not beat the Susquehanna goalie. The Riverhawks capitalized on this possession to add another goal (3:27). Emma Nelson won the following draw for the Gophers, leading to a free position goal for Harney (1:57). The Riverhawks closed out the quarter, scoring a free position attempt with just under a minute left, giving them a 5-2 lead.

Susquehanna opened the quarter with two goals in the first three minutes. The defensive efforts of Maura Poulton came through, following a caused turnover, allowing Angelena Holmes to scoop up the ground ball and charge down the field. This led to a goal from Amaya Locke off a pass from West (10:34). After four minutes of neutral gameplay, Susquehanna went on a four-goal tear over a three-minute span, giving them an 11-3 lead. Harper added another save off a free position attempt with 24 seconds on the clock. The Riverhawks closed the half, scoring a free position goal with 18 seconds left, giving them a 12-3 lead heading into halftime.

The first five minutes of the quarter were scoreless, due to both teams causing turnovers, but Susquehanna was the first to score in the half at the 10:03 mark. The Gophers responded with back-to-back goals, less than a minute apart. The first goal came from Locke, and the second was from Katie Bloom off a free position attempt. After a good clear, Susquehanna found the back of the net to add to their lead (4:39). Holmes caused a turnover, but the Gophers lost possession, leading to a Susquehanna goal with 49 seconds left in the third quarter. The Riverhawks carried the 15-5 advantage into the final quarter.

Goucher quickly fired off their first goal of the quarter under 30 seconds in, with Nelson finding the back of the net off a pass from Harney. Following five minutes of traded possessions, Holmes scooped up a ground ball off a Susquehanna turnover. The Gophers cleared the ball, allowing Tatiana Emeruwa to score a man-down, free position goal (8:13). Less than a minute later, Harper tallied another save off a Susquehanna free position shot. After three minutes of gameplay, the Riverhawks racked up another goal, scoring their 16^th of the game. The Gophers scored their final goal of the season when Locke scored her third of the game, assisted by Emeruwa, with 55 seconds left on the clock. Despite a comeback in the second half, the Gophers could not overcome the first-half deficit, falling 16-8.

Locke led the team with three goals on the night. Harney had three points, scoring one goal and two assists. On the defensive end, Homles scooped up six ground balls. Harper added 60 minutes in goal with seven saves on 23 shots. She also added four ground balls.  

The Riverhawks led the Gophers in draw controls 16-11, and they also outshot Goucher (39-26). The Riverhawks went 13-16 on clears, while the Gophers went 10-15 on clears. For free position shots, Susquehanna went 6-10, and Goucher went 3-5.

This match concludes Goucher Women's Lacrosse's season. The Gophers will be back in action in Spring 2027.