ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Loyola University Maryland nearly erased an first half deficit with a dominant second-half surge, but its comeback bid fell just short in a 13-11 loss to Army West Point on Thursday night.
After falling behind 10-4 late in the first half, Loyola (12-7, 7-2 Patriot League) responded with a strong stretch, scoring five consecutive goals to pull within one midway through the third quarter.
Delaney Jackson led the Greyhounds with three goals, while Morgan Ruhnke and Mim Suares-Jury each added two goals to pace a balanced Loyola attack. Morgan Quade contributed a goal and two assists, helping fuel the momentum shift after halftime.
Loyola's defense tightened significantly after the break, limiting Army to just one goal in the third quarter. Goalkeeper Kennedy Buntrock provided a spark off the bench with seven saves over the final three periods, allowing the Greyhounds to chip away at the deficit.
The Greyhounds trimmed the margin to 10-9 on Jackson's third goal with 5:59 left in the third, capping the 5-0 run and putting Army on its heels.
Army (14-3, 8-1) answered with a key man-up goal late in the quarter and opened the fourth with two quick scores, stretching the lead back to four. Loyola continued to press, getting free-position goals from Suares-Jury and Lauren Perfetto in the final quarter, but could not complete the rally.
Despite being outshot 33-19, Loyola was efficient offensively, converting 6 of 8 free-position opportunities and scoring 11 goals on just 19 shots.
Ava Kane and Elisa Faklaris each scored in the opening half to help Loyola settle in, and the Greyhounds' second-half push ultimately made it a one-possession game late before time ran out.
Allison Reilly led Army with six goals, while Brigid Duffy had one goal and two assists.
Loyola awaits Selection Sunday this Sunday to determine their NCAA Tournament hopes.
