WORCESTER, Mass. -- UMass Boston women's lacrosse mounted a furious second-half comeback but ultimately fell just short in an 8-7 non-conference loss to Clark University on Friday night. Despite a strong defensive effort and late-game heroics, an early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Beacons' record moved to 0-5 on the season. 

**HOW IT HAPPENED** 

The Beacons endured a difficult start, falling behind 3-0 after the first quarter. Clark extended its lead to 4-0 early in the second period before UMass Boston's offense came to life. Rae Alexander got the Beacons on the board off an assist from Samantha DeMarco, and Angelina Mazzone added a free-position goal to cut the deficit to 4-2 at halftime. 

After trading goals in the third quarter, with Teresa Sheedy finding the net for the Beacons, UMass Boston stormed back in the fourth. Alexander scored her second of the game, and Ava Duffy netted a man-up goal to tie the score at 5-5. After Clark regained the lead, Cadence Kelly tied the game again at 6-6 with 6:17 remaining. 

Clark responded with two quick goals to take an 8-6 lead with just 1:35 left on the clock. Kelly scored her second goal of the night on a man-up opportunity with 15 seconds remaining, but the Beacons could not find the equalizer as time expired. 

**BY THE NUMBERS** 

Kelly and Alexander led the UMass Boston offense with two goals apiece. Sheedy anchored the defense with a commanding performance, causing a game-high six turnovers while also scoring a goal. Mazzone contributed a goal and an assist to go with a team-high four ground balls. In goal, Elizabeth Crowley was a standout, making 12 saves. Jamie McAleavey was a force on the draw, securing five draw controls. Both teams struggled with ball control, combining for 50 turnovers, with the Beacons committing 27. 

**UP NEXT** 

The Beacons will travel to **Georgetown, TX**, for a pair of neutral site games, starting with a matchup against Whitman College on Wednesday, March 18. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. To stay up to date on all things UMass Boston Athletics, follow the Beacons on Instagram (@UMassBeacons), and X (UMassBostonAthletics), and read the latest stories and updates here at beaconsathletics.com. 

--FIND A WAY--