The Holy Cross women’s lacrosse team defeated No. 17 Loyola (Md.) 14-9 at Kuzniewski Field, according to an April 18 announcement from the college. Sophomore Hadley Cepiel and senior Tory Rider each scored four goals in the game.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the program, as it is the first time Holy Cross has beaten a ranked opponent in its history. The Crusaders now hold a season record of 6-9 overall and are even at 4-4 in Patriot League play, while Loyola falls to 10-6 overall and 6-2 in conference games.
Holy Cross started strong with a quick lead of 5-1 within the first eight minutes and maintained control throughout the match. By halftime, they led by five goals, and despite efforts from Loyola to close the gap in the fourth quarter, late goals from Rider and junior Annabel Brennan secured a comfortable margin for Holy Cross.
Senior Mackenzie Creagh contributed six saves along with three ground balls and two caused turnovers. Senior Racheli Levy-Smith recorded ten draw controls, four caused turnovers, and three ground balls. Junior Kate Avitabile added two goals and five assists for a team-high seven points.
After the game, seven seniors—Creagh, Levy-Smith, Rider, Kate Burns, Lily Glance, Phoebe Matuch, and Sophia Pyne—were honored during a postgame ceremony ahead of their graduation next month.
Holy Cross will play its regular season finale against Boston University on Thursday, April 23.
