ASHLAND, Va. – The Hood College women's lacrosse team opened their 2026 campaign on the road against a formidable opponent in the Yellow Jackets of Randolph-Macon College on Saturday afternoon and fell in the contest 18-6.
Inside the Box Score
Julia Gregory (Sussex, N.J./Vernon Twp.) led the Blazers in goals with three.
Maggie Merrill (Marriottsville, Md./Marriotts Ridge) added two goals in the contest, while Rachel Harper (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge) netted a goal in the game.
Tayton Barrett (Georgia, Vt./Rice Memorial) made 12 saves in first collegiate start.
How it Happened
The Blazers found themselves in an early hole just 30 seconds into the game as the Yellow Jackets would go up 1-0.
Randolph-Macon continued to stay offensively aggressive on Hood and would net four more goals to hold the early 5-0 advantage.
Midway through the first quarter, Julia Gregory (Sussex, N.J./Vernon Twp.) would stop the bleeding for Hood with a goal of her own, to slightly cut into the lead.
The Yellow Jackets continued to overwhelm the Blazers to make the score 8-1 in favor of Randolph-Macon to end the first quarter.
Despite the deficit, the Blazers continued to fight valiantly, as
Maggie Merrill (Marriottsville, Md./Marriotts Ridge) earned her first goal of the season, and first as a Blazer.
Gregory netted two more goals in the second quarter, but the Yellow Jackets were in a groove and extended their lead 13 to 4 headed into the break.
Throughout the third quarter, the Blazers were unable to get on the board and the Yellow Jackets held a 16 to 4 lead.
Hood started the fourth quarter with a Merrill free position goal to earn her second goal of the game.
The Blazers showed sparks of life after they netted another goal by Rachel Harper (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge), but despite the Blazer's efforts, the Yellow Jackets started and ended fast, handing Hood it's first loss of the season.
For the Opponent
Reese Toth scored five goals in the contest, while Lilly Fowler added four goals in the game.
Analysis
Randolph-Macon outshot Hood 36-24.
The Yellow Jackets won the ground battle over the Blazers 24-18, and held the advantage in draw controls 15-11.
Notes
Hood falls to 0-1 overall to start the year.
Randolph -Macon improves to 1-0 overall to start the year.
Up Next
The Hood College women's lacrosse will have their season opener on Wednesday, February 18, at 5 on the Thomas Athletic Field against the Eagles of Bridgewater College.
