MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – The Colby College Women's Lacrosse team displayed grit and a relentless "never-quit" attitude on Saturday afternoon, going toe-to-toe with No. 37 SUNY Cortland in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Despite a strong second-half push and a clinical hat-trick performance from freshman Joselyn Silva, the Mules fell 14-8 at Smith Field on the campus of Wesleyan University.
Key Highlights:
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Silva's Offensive Masterclass: Freshman Joselyn Silva led the Mules' attack with a team-high three goals. Her ability to penetrate the Cortland defense sparked several scoring runs and kept the Mules within striking distance throughout the contest.
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Michener and Kraus Provide Spark: Sophomore Charlotte Michener and junior Olivia Kraus each found the back of the net twice. Michener's first-quarter tally served as the Mules' opening statement, while Kraus's late-game energy helped fuel a three-goal surge in the final period.
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Counihan's Playmaking: Sophomore Emily Counihan was the architect of the transition game, recording two assists. Her vision allowed Colby to exploit gaps in the Red Dragons' defense during critical man-up opportunities.
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Fourth-Quarter Resurgence: Refusing to back down, Colby outscored Cortland 3-2 in the final frame. This late-game push underscored the team's superior conditioning and their trademark resilience that has defined their postseason run.
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Defensive Stand: Senior Stella Regan contributed a goal and an assist, leading a defensive unit that successfully cleared many attempts under heavy pressure from a high-powered Cortland ride.
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Complete Team Effort: The Mules showcased their depth with five different players contributing to the point total, highlighting the collaborative offensive identity that led them back to the national stage.
The contest was a physical battle from the opening draw. While Cortland managed to build an early lead, the Mules responded with discipline and heart, particularly in the second and fourth quarters where they matched the Red Dragons' intensity goal-for-goal.
The Mules conclude their 2026 campaign with a hard-fought season that included a deep NESCAC run and an NCAA Tournament appearance. With a strong core of returning talent and a renewed sense of confidence, the future remains exceptionally bright on Mayflower Hill.
Final Score:
No. 29 Colby: 8
No. 37 Cortland: 14
