BALTIMORE — The UMBC Retrievers showed early resilience and offensive spark on Saturday afternoon, but they were ultimately unable to withstand a powerful surge from an unbeaten UAlbany squad, falling 14-9 in a conference matchup.
The contest began as a tightly contested battle, with the Retrievers jumping out to an early lead and maintaining a competitive edge through the first 30 minutes. However, a decisive scoring run by the Great Danes shifted the momentum, leaving UMBC to fight an uphill battle for the remainder of the game. Despite the loss, the afternoon was highlighted by a standout performance from Libby Staples, who recorded her third hat trick of the season.
The defeat underscores the difficulty of facing a conference opponent that has remained unbeaten, though the Retrievers’ ability to pressure UAlbany early suggests a growing confidence in their offensive rotations. As the team looks toward the next phase of their schedule, the individual milestones reached on Saturday provide a silver lining to the final score.
Early Momentum and First-Half Tension
The game opened with a rapid exchange of goals that kept the score close. UAlbany struck first at the 12:39 mark via Mya Carroll, but UMBC responded quickly. Reese Macintosh found the back of the net at 11:04 in the opening quarter, assisted by a precise feed from Lizzie Bateman.
The Retrievers continued to trade blows with the Great Danes, as Staples and UAlbany’s Zareena Sorho exchanged goals in quick succession. Staples eventually gave UMBC a 3-2 advantage with just 1:43 remaining in the first period, signaling a strong start for the Baltimore-based team.
That momentum carried into the second quarter. Annika Wray extended the lead to 4-2 at the 12:28 mark, putting the Retrievers in a position to control the pace. However, the tide turned in the closing minutes of the half, as UAlbany managed to score three unanswered goals to seize a 5-4 lead heading into the locker room.
The Great Danes’ Surge
The second half saw UAlbany capitalize on their late first-half momentum, transforming a slim lead into a dominant stretch. The Great Danes launched an eight-goal spurt, including five goals in the third quarter alone, which effectively pushed the game out of reach for the Retrievers.
UMBC refused to fade quietly, mounting a fourth-quarter effort to trim the deficit. Oliva Worden broke through with 11:51 remaining to pull the Retrievers within five. Sam Hewitt followed shortly after, scoring with 9:55 on the clock to bring the gap to 10-6.
While the Retrievers added late goals from Macintosh, Emily Knapp, and a final strike from Staples to complete her hat trick, UAlbany maintained their composure to secure the 14-9 victory and preserve their unbeaten conference record in the America East conference.
Statistcal Milestones and Offensive Growth
While the result was a loss, the game served as a milestone marker for several key players. Libby Staples’ three-goal performance was particularly significant, marking her third hat trick of the year. This performance brought her season total to 17 goals, establishing a new career-high for the attacker.
Reese Macintosh also continued her role as a primary engine for the UMBC offense. Finishing the day with two goals and one assist, Macintosh now sits second on the team with 39 points on the campaign, consisting of 20 goals and 19 assists. Oliva Worden’s fourth-quarter goal made her the fifth Retriever to reach the 10-goal threshold this season, indicating a more balanced and diversified scoring threat for the team.
| Player | Goals | Assists | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libby Staples | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Reese Macintosh | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Oliva Worden | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Sam Hewitt | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Annika Wray | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Looking Ahead: Conference Clash at UMass Lowell
The Retrievers will now shift their focus toward their next conference challenge. The team is scheduled to travel to face the University of Massachusetts Lowell for a critical tilt on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The upcoming game represents a vital opportunity for UMBC to build on the offensive chemistry displayed against UAlbany and secure a win on the road. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the Retrievers’ season progress in the comments below or share this update with fellow fans.
