FREDERICK, Md.-- The Hood College women's lacrosse team clinched a non-conference victory over Shenandoah University, 13-12, Monday afternoon at home. The festivities kicked off with the celebration of Hood's lone senior, Britney Colandreo, as she suited up in one of her final matches on the home turf.

Hood (7-6) came out strong and never looked back as six Blazers tallied points despite the Hornets' relentless efforts. The victory ties the lacrosse program record for wins in a season, matching the mark from the 2005 campaign.  

Junior Brandy Noel led the Blazers with five goals and sophomore Kelsey Blackwell added three goals and two assists. Blackwell's efforts today catapult her to the top of the program's single-season scoring chart with 50 points, breaking the record of 47 previously held by Cheryl Banks from 2005. Juniors Lauren Perzan and Sarah Balukoff each added two goals and junior Jen Graham contributed one goal.    

Despite being outshot by the Hornets, 32-25, and trailing in the ground ball category, 32-29, the Blazers set the pace early, coming out strong and never trailed in the game. The Blazers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Noel posted the game's first goal with only 2:13 off the clock with the assist from freshman Katie Vu. Hood kept tallying the goals, taking a 4-0 lead before Shenandoah rebutted with a goal by Laurel Smith 10 minutes into the game. Shenandoah began to mount its comeback but Hood continued to answer each goal with one of its own. Noel scored three in a row for the blue and grey to help the team gain momentum and amass a 6-2 lead. The half ended with Hood up 7-5 over Shenandoah.

Shenandoah scored five straight goals in the second half to tie the game at 10. The Blazers recharged their batteries and scored three straight, starting with Balukoff towering through the middle and scoring an unassisted goal. Noel then added a goal from a free position shot to increase the lead to two and Balukoff scored her other goal of the game off an assist from Blackwell.

With less than five minutes to play, Shenandoah's Kierra Nicholson scored and then Jessie Kuykendall followed with a goal in the final minute of the game but their efforts were not enough as Hood held on to win, 13-12.  

Hood freshman goalie Sam Liptrap made 11 saves for the victory while Shenandoah goalie Danielle Lawson registered two saves. Sara Mucciaro led the Hornets with five goals and two assists and Kuykendall added three goals.  

Hood heads to Ferrum College for a non-conference match-up Friday at 4 p.m.