CHESTERTOWN, Md. — With a commanding 16-9 victory over Washington College on Tuesday evening, the No. 19 Haverford College women's lacrosse team clinched its sixth consecutive berth in the Centennial Conference Tournament. The Fords (12-4, 5-2 CC) used a balanced offensive attack and a staunch defensive effort to pull away early and never looked back at Roy Kirby Jr. Stadium in Chesertown.
Daniela Martini added six points on four goals and two assists, notching two of her tallies during player-up opportunities. Sophie Jaffe also delivered a standout performance, contributing two goals and a game-high four assists to match Martini with six points. Tiffany Mikulis recorded a hat trick and added an assist, while Brooke Epstein also chipped in three goals and one assist.
The Fords held a 12-4 lead at halftime thanks to a seven-goal second quarter in which six different players found the back of the net net. Haverford outshot the Shorewomen 39-31 and controlled ground balls 22-13. Defensively, Haverford forced 16 turnovers and held the Shorewomen to just 6-of-11 on clears while the Fords converted on 13 of 19 clear attempts.
Goalkeeper Annie Bravacos earned her 12th win of the season, making six saves and anchoring a defense that limited Washington College (7-9, 3-4 CC) to just two goals in each of the first three quarters.
Kylie McNamara finished with two goals and three draw controls, pulling to 50 career goals, while Ellie Hughes added three assists off the bench. Rookie Natalie Bole scored in the third quarter, notching her second goal in as many games.
Washington College was paced by Piper Evans, who scored four goals and assisted on another. Lexi Vennera added two goals. Goalie McKenna Seashole was tested throughout the contest, finishing with 17 saves as the Fords fired 33 of their 39 shots on target.
Haverford jumped out to a 5-2 lead after the first quarter and extended its advantage to double digits by the third, sparked by a pair of goals from Martini during a 4-0 run that triggered the running clock at 14-4 with 9:29 left in the third frame.
The Fords did well to create mismatches, and the defensive unit, led by standout performances from Eva Baumann and reigning Centennial Conference Defenive Player of the Week Finley Jordan, disrupted Washington's rhythm throughout. Mikulis and Lauren Anderson each caused a pair of turnovers, with Mikulis registering her 50th career caused turnover.
With the win, Haverford secures a Centennial postseason spot, continuing an exhilarating run that has seen the Fords become a stalwart in the national rankings and earn two NCAA tournament bids in the past three seasons.
The Fords will close the regular season on Saturday with a pivotal matchup against Hood Trophy rival Swarthmore, with conference tournament seeding implications on the line on Senior Day. Opening draw is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Swan Field.
