The women's lacrosse team dropped its season opener with a 14-4 loss to local rival Towson in a midweek matinee today. Junior goalkeeper Ashley Peacock (Crofton, Md./Elizabeth Seton) got the start for the Retrievers and saw a career high 34 shots from the Tigers. The first-year transfer made nine stops in her first bit of action with the Retrievers.

UMBC played strong and aggressive defense throughout the first half, but prolonged possessions by the Tigers lead to goals for the home team. 

After trading goals with the Retrievers in the first ten minutes, the Tigers went on a five-goal run that ended when a yellow card was called on Emily Gillingham. Sophomore midfielder Laura Osborne (Chesapeake Beach, Md./Huntingtown) capitalized on the Tiger's mistake with a goal half way through the power play.

Exactly three minutes later Towson got a power play opportunity of their own. The ensuing goal would put the Tigers up 7-2 headed into half time.

Sophomore midfielder Marissa Davey (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge) earned the assist on both Osborne's and junior attacker Sam Nolan's (Fallston, Md./Fallston) first half goals.

Towson would be the first to strike in the second half, but sophomore attacker Carolyn Jamison (Westminster, Md./Westminster) put in her first of two second-half goals to put a pause on the Tigers run.

The Retrievers could not capitalize on a two-man advantage in the second, and instead gave up a power play goal after junior Rachel Katzenberger (Kingsville, Md./Eastern Technical) was given a yellow card.

Jamison's second goal of the night came unassisted with 6:28 left in the contest, and would be the last goal scored in the game.

Despite a few lengthy possessions throughout the game, UMBC was unable to turn them into shots on goals. The Retrievers finished the game with just 12 shots to Towson's 34.

UMBC also had difficulty establishing possession despite winning the ground ball battle. The Retrievers managed to control just five draws the entire game, while the Tigers took 15.

UMBC will have an opportunity to rebound this Saturday with their home opener against first year squad VCU. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. at UMBC Stadium.