The University of Mary Washington women's lacrosse team fell behind early, made a valiant comeback, but fell, 12-9, to Washington College on Wednesday afternoon at a wet, chilly Battleground. The Eagles slip to 6-3 on the season.

The Shorewomen jumped ahead early, scoring the first four goals of the contest in the opening eight minutes of the game. The Eagles got on the scoreboard with 19:49 left in the first half, as sophomore Kate Smucker scored unassisted. UMW scored again with 15:41 remaining on a Holly Hudson free position shot.

The Shorewomen scored the next two goals to return their lead to four, at 6-2, but the Eagles played for the final shot of the half and scored with three seconds left, as Corinne Wiederkehr scored on an Emily Mott assist. UMW trailed, 6-3, at halftime.

After Washington College started the secvond half with a goal to move its lead to 7-3, the Eagles began to claw their way back into the game, as Sabrina Elliott scored on a free position shot with 22:04 left, and Smucker scored on another free position attempt with 20:24 left. The Eagles trailed, 7-5, but WAC responded with two goals to rebuild a four-goal lead at 9-5 with 19:09 to go.

Then the Eagles scored four straight goals to tie the score. Smucker started the run with a free position goal, and Elliott scored unassisted with 14:44 left. Fifty seconds later, Smucker scored on a Wiederkehr pass, and Ashlyn Dacey tied the score on a Mott assist with 9:26 left.

Washington responded offensively and defensively, scoring the final three goals of the game to take the 12-9 win.

Washington led in shots, 25-19, while UMW held a 21-19 edge in ground balls. Taylor Paige had nine saves in goal for UMW. Smucker led UMW with four goals.

The Eagles will return to action on Saturday when they visit Salisbury University at 1:00 p.m.