BALTIMORE – The UMBC women's lacrosse team earned their second-consecutive America East conference Championship Tournament berth with a 12-7 victory over the University of New Hampshire today at UMBC Stadium. Sophomore midfielder Carolyn Jamison (Westminster, Md./Westminster) tied her season-high with five goals, and junior goalkeeper Ashley Peacock (Crofton, Md./Elizabeth Seton/Louisville) tied her season-high with 11 saves. The Retrievers finish the regular season with a 9-7 record, while the Wildcats drop to 6-10 for the 2016 season.

The Retrievers were dominant through the first half and had a 6-2 lead by the break. Sophomore midfielder Caitlin Miller (Fredrick, Md./Tuscarora) and Jamison brought in three draw controls a piece, and UMBC won the possession battle with six wins at the draw to UNH's three in the half. The Retrievers had struggled to win draws last week against the University of Vermont, but were much more effective against the Wildcats.

New Hampshire played better offensively in the second half, putting in five goals and ultimately outshooting the home team 26-23 throughout the game. The Retrieves played a very discipline game however, committing just 19 fouls and allowing the Wildcats only two free-position attempts. UMBC scored another six goals in the second, to keep the lead and take their ninth win of the season.

Miller and classmate Marissa Davey (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge) each had a pair of goals in the win. Freshmen attackers Lauren McDonald (Catonsville, Md./Catonsville) and Payton Van Kirk (Ocean City, Md./Stephen Decatur) netted one goal a piece.

UMBC's leading scorer Sam Nolan (Fallston, Md./Fallston) was held to just one goal and one assist in the game, and was forced to work through shut-off defense for a large portion of the game.

The team celebrated their five seniors prior to the start of the game. Paulina Christ (Bel Air, Md./Fallston), Brittany Marquess (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), Meghan Milani (Glenelg, Md./Glenelg), Megan Flock (Ellicott City, Md./Howard) and Nolan were all honored for their commitment to UMBC with a ceremony prior to the game.

The Retrieves now await the final word on their first round opponent in the America East Championship Tournament, held at the conference's highest seed May 6-8.