Panthers Women’s Lacrosse Struggles Continue in Loss to Maritime College

By Brandon Cruz

The Panthers Women’s Lacrosse team (0-8) fell to the Maritime College Privateers (6-5) 18-2, continuing their tough start to the season.

Annelise Durkin (number two) attempting to score. (Photo by Brandon Cruz)

Junior arts management major Julieth Velasquez scored the only two goals for the Panthers, while senior studio production major Delece Kerr attempted the only other shot for the team. Senior Gabrielle Nicolosi led the Privateers with six goals and 10 points, while senior Morgan Tracy tallied four assists.

Despite the loss, Panthers Head Coach Jasmine Sitti commended her team’s communication throughout the game.

“They started off pretty quiet in the beginning,” Sitti said. “It was a little eerie how quiet the game was, but then they picked it up and found their groove.”

“The main thing we worry about before we play a game is making sure our team chemistry is there,” Kerr said. “We make sure we’re being very supportive of each other and keeping our energy high.”

Delece Kerr with the ball pushing up the field. (Photo by Brandon Cruz)

Kerr, who returned to the team in 2025 after taking a year off to focus on music, reflected on the team’s growth since her return.

“I see a lot of improvement,” Kerr said. “A lot of our girls started off with not much experience in lacrosse. Now, I’m seeing that everyone is working on the team chemistry, their stick skills, and how to navigate themselves through an entire lacrosse game.”

The Privateers, who reached the Skyline Conference Championship game last year, now move to 6–5 and have won four of their last five games. Head Coach Kerri Handras attributed their early-season struggles to a tough schedule.

“This year, we had a harder schedule,” Handras said. “That’s kind of what put us where we are now. We’ve lost a couple of one-goal games, but I think that the team is playing hard, and now that we’re at the back end of our conference, we’re hoping to win out and be back where we were last year.”

The Panthers won’t be playing another home game until April 23, their last game of the season. Sitti shared how she plans to keep the team motivated during their long road trip.

“I try to make sure we have good food after the game because that usually is a good motivator,” Sitti said. “Playing some good music, just hyping us up as much as we can. We’ll go into every game with our heads high and with positive energy.”