George Mason University’s women’s lacrosse team achieved a 10-9 overtime victory against La Salle at McCarthy Stadium in Philadelphia on Saturday. The win marks George Mason’s first conference triumph of the season, improving their record to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
The match began with strong defensive efforts from George Mason, highlighted by an early save from Regan Bestick. Delaney Stup opened the scoring for the Patriots, assisted by Kaitlyn Bestick during a man-up situation. Kaitlyn Bestick added another goal later in the quarter after a ground ball recovery by Gabby Rizzio.
La Salle responded with goals from Bri McClain and Emi Waldron, but George Mason maintained momentum. Kaitlyn Bestick scored again with help from Riley Ellis, and Matye Riley closed out the first quarter with another goal, also assisted by Ellis. The Patriots led 4-2 at the end of the first period.
In the second quarter, Kate Anders scored her 26th goal of the season during another man-up opportunity, assisted by Matye Riley. Giselle Torain followed up with a key goal before La Salle’s Sam Klein narrowed the gap just before halftime. George Mason held a 6-4 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw Anders score again for George Mason, this time assisted by Torain. Sam Klein answered for La Salle with a free position shot. Despite receiving a green card, Anders and her teammates continued to defend effectively, including multiple ground ball recoveries by Regan Bestick. Emily Mowbray restored a two-goal lead for George Mason midway through the quarter before Waldron added another for La Salle. Strong saves from Regan Bestick helped maintain an 8-6 advantage heading into the final period.
Isabella Kellogg contributed defensively in the fourth quarter with an important ground ball pickup that prevented a La Salle scoring chance. The Explorers managed three consecutive goals to take the lead late in regulation. With only eight seconds left on the clock, Matye Riley scored off an assist from Emily Mowbray to tie the game at nine apiece as regulation ended.
In overtime, both teams had opportunities to secure victory until Kaitlyn Bestick scored at 2:03 remaining in extra time to clinch the win for George Mason.
Kaitlyn Bestick finished with three goals—including the game-winner—and one assist. Matye Riley recorded two goals and one assist while Regan Bestick made eleven saves on thirty shots faced.
George Mason will next host Howard University at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Virginia on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m.
