Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke Athletics
While Mount Holyoke’s Lacrosse team lost their Salem match, players have voiced hope for their three remaining games in the spring 2025 season.
By Gia Gu ’26
Sports Editor
Mount Holyoke Lacrosse fell 14-11 to Salem State University on Tuesday, April 1, after leading 11-9 in the fourth quarter. The game marked the first competition between the two teams.
After Salem State opened with two quick goals, Mount Holyoke responded with goals from Emi Bisson ’26, Marielle Welch ’26 and Juliana Spaulding ’28 in the first quarter. The teams continued to trade goals in the second, with Bisson and Elle Mader ’26 each scoring to help the team enter halftime trailing just 7-6.
The Lyons built a 9-7 lead in the third quarter with three consecutive goals from Mackenzie Hillman ’27, Mader and Welch. Mount Holyoke then added two more goals early in the fourth, including a free-position goal from Bisson and another from Hillman, bringing the lead to 11-9.
Despite the Lyons’ push, Salem State closed the game on a 5-0 last run. The visitors scored five consecutive goals in the final ten minutes to take the win.
Bisson led the team with three goals, while Mader recorded two goals and two assists. Hillman and Welch added two goals. Spaulding and Ella Phillips ’25 each added one. First-year defender Josie McFadden ’28 had a season-high five caused turnovers, and first-year goalkeeper Valeria Bolanos ’28 made 11 saves.
“Our game against Salem State showed our drive and determination,” Maddie Millyan ’25 said in an email to Mount Holyoke News. “We started on a lull and worked to become competitive in the overall score of the game.”
Despite the loss, Millyan said the team remains focused moving forward. “In each game, we can be competitive whilst hopefully bringing home the win,” Millyan said.
Mount Holyoke will play three more NEWMAC conference matchups to close out the season, including two home games and one on the road. The team’s final game of the season is scheduled for April 23 at Springfield College.
Gemma Golovner ’25 contributed fact-checking.