TAMPA, Fla. (Mar. 17, 2025) – Despite a team-high two goals from freshman Kayden Meyer (Mastic, N.Y./William Floyd), the No. 23 Mercy University women's lacrosse team dropped a 16-3 decision at defending National Champion No. 1 University of Tampa on Monday afternoon at Naimoli Stadium.

The Mavericks (3-3) have dropped two games in a row and fall to 0-4 all-time against the Spartans (8-0).

Mercy was led by Meyer who had a team-high two goals. Junior Maeghan Callow (Massapequa, N.Y./Plainedge) also scored and senior Lindsey Shimborske (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale) had a game-high seven ground balls with three caused turnovers and two draw controls. Junior Rita-Marie Masi (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Connetquot) added three caused turnovers and three ground balls and junior Olivia LaMonica (Oak Ridge, N.J./Jefferson Township) made a game-high six saves to take the loss.

Tampa was led by Peyton Howell who had a game-high seven points on six goals and an assist. Savvy Barbosa made four saves to earn the win.

The Spartans scored all six goals in the first quarter to take a 6-0 lead after the first quarter.

Tampa began the second quarter with three straight goals to take a 9-0 lead with 12:28 left in the half. Meyer got the Mavericks on the scoreboard at the 8:18 mark of the second quarter to make it 9-1. Meyer followed with her second goal of the day to cut the Tampa lead to 9-2 with 6:29 remaining in the half. A Howell goal later made it 10-2 before a late Callow goal made it 10-3 at halftime.

The Spartans scored three goals in the third quarter to take a 13-3 lead heading to the fourth quarter.

Tampa recorded all three goals in the fourth quarter to build a 16-3 lead and earned the 16-3 win.

Tampa held a 27-13 edge in shots, a 30-22 edge in ground balls and a 17-5 edge in draw controls.

Head Coach Dawn Sachs and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday when they play at No. 2 Florida Southern at 7 p.m.