Newton, MA (April 16, 2025) — Despite a balanced offensive effort featuring seven different goal scorers, the UMass Boston women's lacrosse team came up short in a 16-12 loss to Vermont State University Castleton on Tuesday. 

How It Happened 

The Beacons got off to a fast start, with Kheiara Vilus (Brockton, Mass.) opening the scoring just over a minute into the game—her third goal of the season, assisted by Hannah Rich (Rockland, Mass.). Rae Alexander (Georgia, VT.) doubled the lead moments later with her first of two goals on the day, assisted by Vilus. 

Castleton answered with two straight goals, but Ava Duffy (Quincy, Mass.) restored the Beacons' lead with her first of the game. The Spartans would respond again, tying the game at 3-3 heading into the second quarter. 

The Beacons struck early again to open the second, this time through Angelina Mazzone (Beverly, Mass.), who tallied the first of her three goals. Alexander added her second on a woman-up opportunity. However, the Spartans seized control with an eight-goal run to close the half, taking an 11-5 lead into the break. 

Mazzone opened the third quarter with another goal to try and halt the momentum, but Castleton stayed hot, adding three more to push their advantage to 14-6 heading into the final frame. 

UMass Boston mounted a late comeback in the fourth, outscoring Castleton 6-2. Jamie McAleavey (Quincy, Mass.) kicked off the quarter with a goal just over a minute in. Teresa Sheedy (Quincy, Mass.) followed, assisted by Duffy. Rich added her team-leading 34th goal of the season off a Sheedy assist. Mazzone completed her hat trick late in the quarter, and Sheedy notched her second goal with just over a minute remaining. Duffy capped the scoring with her second goal—and 22nd of the season—in the final second of the game. 

Inside the Box Score 

• Kheiara Vilus had a career outing, tallying two assists and three total points. 

• Rae Alexander tied her season high with six ground balls, while also contributing two goals, one assist, and a caused turnover. 

• Emily Hansen (Lake Villa, Ill.) and Ava Duffy both recorded a season-high five ground balls. 

Up Next 

The Beacons return to Little East Conference play on Wednesday, April 23, when they travel to face Western Connecticut State. Opening draw is scheduled for 6 p.m.