DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Women's Lacrosse team, ranked #14 in the most recent IWLCA Coaches Poll, opened their 2026 season hosting #6 Maryville University, but fell, 17-9. The Rangers fall to 0-1, while the Saints improve to 3-0.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Saints controlled the opening draw, but Evie Tanella forced an early turnover, leading to the first shot of the match, an on-target attempt by Lexie Springman. However, MU responded with a woman-up goal in at 11:46. Krista Munsinger forced another turnover, but Maggie Schipfer's shot went off the crossbar. Maryville recorded three quick goals, going up, 4-1, before Rome Villani scored the first goal of the season for RU on a free position shot. Brigit Goetsch ended the quarter with three saves.

Regis opened the second with a forced turnover, but Maryville would be the first to score in the period. After a Goetsch save at 7:06, the Rangers put in two quick goals from Aubrey Benton, assisted by Springman, and from Katnik, assisted by Shea Murphy. After Springman's shot was saved, Murphy forced a turnover and scored an unassisted goal to bring the game within one. However, Maryville scored again with just nine seconds left in the half.

Goetsch saved three shots to start the half, while Benton assisted a Tanella goal. Tanella had the tying shot saved, and MU answered with two goals in under a minute, going up 8-5. Tanella controlled the ensuing draw, leading to Benton's second goal, assisted by Lauren Sheets. Krista Munsinger controlled that draw, and Murphy scored the second goal for the Rangers in the last 30 seconds. The Saints added one final goal for the two-goal advantage going into the final period.

MU scored just 12 second into the fourth, and took over the game from there, scoring five more unanswered goals until Schipfer scored on a free position shot. Maryville added two more insurance goals, 15 seconds apart. Springman scored, unassisted, while Murphy had a late caused turnover, and Goetsch added two late saves, but Maryville prevailed, 17-9.

GAME NOTES

·         Benton and Murphy each had three points form two goals and an assist

·         Benton landed all four of her shots on goal

·         Katnik forced four turnovers and picked up five ground balls

·         Helen Bae had four goals, two assists, 13 draw controls, and four ground balls for Maryville

·         Gianna Guzek had eight saves in the win. Goetsch recorded 15 saves in the loss

·         Maryville won the draw control battle, 21-7

UP NEXT

The Rangers return to action on Thursday, February 26, hosting #21 Florida Tech at 5 PM.