Box Score Kings Point, N.Y. — Entering the 2026 season with hopes of bouncing back from a challenging 2025 campaign that saw the Panthers finish 2–9, and now under the direction of new head coach Lou DeCicco, the SUNY Old Westbury women's lacrosse team opened Skyline Conference play on Saturday afternoon on the road against the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The Panthers suffered their first loss of the 2026 season, falling to Merchant Marine 23–0 at Brooks Stadium.
Old Westbury was unable to generate offensive opportunities throughout the contest, finishing the afternoon without recording a shot in all four quarters of regulation. Merchant Marine controlled the pace early, jumping out to a 10–0 lead in the opening quarter before continuing to build their advantage across the remaining three quarters of play.
Merchant Marine controlled possession throughout the game, outshooting Old Westbury 49–0 while also holding a 22–3 advantage in draw controls. The Panthers also committed 27 turnovers compared to 12 by Merchant Marine, which limited their opportunities to generate offensive pressure.
Old Westbury did show some life in the ground ball department, collecting 12 ground balls compared to Merchant Marine's 23, giving the Panthers several opportunities to regain possession during the contest.
Clearing the ball proved to be another challenge for the Panthers as they finished 4-for-25 on clear attempts, while Merchant Marine went a perfect 6-for-6 on clears.
Despite the tough loss, Old Westbury saw several individual defensive performances throughout the game.
Junior attack Stefany Donnelly led the Panthers with five ground balls and one caused turnover, while junior midfielder Caitlyn Subero added three ground balls. Sophomore Katia Maisonneuve contributed one ground ball and one draw control in the effort.
Defensively, senior Annabella Runyan anchored the back line with two caused turnovers, helping disrupt several Merchant Marine possessions.
In goal, senior Jara Gonzalez recorded 15 saves while facing 38 shots on goal, keeping the Panthers competitive defensively throughout the afternoon.
With the loss, Old Westbury falls to 0–1 overall and 0–1 in Skyline Conference play, while the United States Merchant Marine Academy improves to 1–0 overall.
What's Next?
Old Westbury will look to regroup as they now turn their attention to Albertus Magnus when the Panthers travel to New Haven, Connecticut on March 12. Opening draw is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
