Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University Women's Lacrosse team is set for a big-time matchup when it hosts #16 Stevens on Friday night.
 
GAME INFO
First draw from Sprague Field is set for 7:00 p.m. Live coverage links can be found at montclairathletics.com.
 
LAST TIME OUT
 
Montclair was upended in their last matchup against Bowdoin by a score of 20-1 last Tuesday. Bowdoin won the opening draw and only needed a minute to score the first goal of the game. Montclair took advantage of a caused turnover by SAMANTHA HANDZO to equalize the game. KAELEY SEK found LEXI ROBINSON to tie the game at the 13:04 mark. The Polar Bears put the pedal to the floor after, scoring three goals in two minutes to take a 4-1 lead. Sek saw a clean shot on goal at the 8:38 mark, but was stymied by the Bowdoin goalkeeper. The Polar Bears found the back of the net again at 5:31. Montclair saw a free-position attempt at 4:38, but KYRA MORENA's shot was just off target. Bowdoin secured one more goal to end the period up 6-1. The Polar Bears started with possession in the second half and got off a quick shot that was saved by Grotkopf. Handzo's shot, which traveled wide on the ensuing possession, was the only one Montclair was able to find in the period. They forced Montclair into seven turnovers and turned up the heat with eight goals down the stretch in the half to take a commanding 14-1 lead. Turnovers plagued the opening portion of the second half. Montclair was able to generate some in just over two minutes. CARA MCCARTNEY's shot went wide, and Handzo had a free-position attempt get saved. After another goal from Bowdoin, they went back on the attack, but had two shots get stonewalled by Grotkopf. The Polar Bears took advantage of a late turnover on the Red Hawks and responded with another goal to hold a 17-1 lead. LEA HEGEWALD entered the game between the pipes for Montclair and immediately made a nice save 33 seconds in, but was able to sneak one past her at the 13:50 mark to extend the lead. Montclair's best opportunities to find a second goal happened with shots on goal by AMRA LUKOVIC at 9:22 and Sek at 6:53, but both were saved. Bowdoin nabbed two more goals, including one with four seconds remaining, to walk away with a 20-1 triumph.
 

MONTCLAIR STATE (3-2): 2026 Statistics
 
BOWDOIN (5-3): 2026 Statistics
 
 
SCOUTING STEVENS
The Ducks enter this matchup as the #16 team in the nation according to the IWLCA Division III National Poll. They are on a win streak of three games in a row, including a 15-9 win at Haverford this Wednesday. Last season, Stevens compiled a 17-5 overall season and was 7-0 in MAC Freedom play. They dominated their conference tournament with wins against Misericordia (20-1) and Lebanon Valley (19-5) to win their fourth-straight conference title. In the NCAA Tournament, they bested George Fox (22-3) and TCNJ (15-9), before being halted in the Round of 16 against Coby by a score of 17-6. According to the 2026 MAC Freedom Preseason Poll, Stevens was selected to win its fifth-straight conference championship.
 
SERIES HISTORY
The Red Hawks and the Ducks will square off for the 28^th time in their series. Stevens has the advantage with a record of 18-9 and has won six of the last seven, including four straight.
 
LAST MEETING
These two teams met last season on February 19, where Stevens rolled Montclair by a score of 16-1.
 
UP NEXT
Montclair is set to open up conference play on Wednesday, April 1, down at TCNJ. First draw is slated for 4:00 p.m.