BALTIMORE - Sophomore attack Emily Coady (Westminster, Md./Westminster) scored three times, but it was Loyola goalkeeper Kerry Stoothoff who stole the show, as the 11th-ranked Greyhounds (2-1) handed the UMBC women's lacrosse team (2-1) its first loss of the season, 7-4, in the Retrievers' home opener at UMBC Stadium Tuesday evening.
The Greyhounds tallied the first three goals of the game before UMBC junior attack Erika Braerman (Fallston, Md./Fallston) put the Retrievers on the scoreboard with 13:18 remaining in the first half. Loyola led, 4-1, at intermission.
The America East Player of the Game, Coady scored the first two goals of the second stanza just 22 seconds apart to pull the Retrievers back to within one, 4-3, at the 20:53 mark, but Loyola midfielder Abby Rehfuss converted a free-position attempt 92 seconds later for the eventual game winner.
The Retrievers outshot the Greyhounds, 24-22, but Stoothoff made a career-high 16 saves. UMBC senior goalie Kate Quick (Phoenix, Md./Maryvale Prep) was also outstanding in net, stopping a season-high nine shots. An America East first-team all-conference selection a year ago, Quick has allowed just 17 goals through three games this season for a goals-against average of 5.67.
Loyola attack Grace Gavin led the Greyhounds with three points on two goals and an assist, while attack Caroline Hager also tallied twice for the visitors.
UMBC held a 19-18 edge in ground balls, while draw controls were even at six apiece.
It was the 15th time that UMBC has not recorded an assist in the game and the first since a 9-5 loss at Old Dominion on March 8, 2008. In addition, it was the fewest goals scored by the Retrievers since an 11-4 loss at New Hampshire on March 22, 2008, but also the fewest goals allowed in a loss since falling to Monmouth, 7-5, on April 4, 2003.
The Retrievers return to action on Saturday, Feb. 27, when they host 13th-ranked Vanderbilt at 1 p.m. at UMBC Stadium.