SALEM, Mass. — Maine Maritime rallied late but couldn't complete the comeback as Salem State held on for a 10–8 victory in a nonconference women's lacrosse matchup Saturday at Alumni Field.

Maine Maritime (2-3) trailed by three goals entering the fourth quarter but surged within one on a pair of man-up tallies early in the final frame. Salem State (5-0), however, answered in the closing minutes and added an insurance goal with 19 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Junior Lillian Diversi led Maine Maritime with four goals and an assist, pacing an offense that saw five different goal scorers. Diversi was especially impactful down the stretch, scoring twice in the fourth quarter, including a free-position goal that cut the deficit to 8-7.

Senior Rebecca Caron added a goal and an assist, while junior Julia Wade contributed one goal and one assist, including a second-quarter man-up tally that briefly gave the Mariners the lead. Junior Bella Scolaro and Sophomore Caitlyn Lamb each found the back of the net as well for Maine Maritime.

The Mariners started strong, building a 4-2 advantage after the first quarter behind two early goals from Diversi and a late strike from Scolaro. Salem State responded in the second quarter, outscoring Maine Maritime 3-1 to tie the game 5-5 at halftime.

The game shifted in the third quarter, where Salem State took control with a 3-0 run, capitalizing on possessions and free-position opportunities to open an 8-5 lead. Maine Maritime was held scoreless in the period despite generating chances.

Maine Maritime mounted its comeback in the fourth, scoring three times and cutting the deficit to 9-8 on Diversi's fourth goal with 2:36 remaining. Salem State answered with a late goal and added a man-up score in the final seconds to put the game out of reach.

Defensively, Maine Maritime senior goalkeeper Ella Bowes made nine saves in the loss. The Mariners controlled draw controls (11-9) and were efficient on clears (13-for-16), but were hurt by a 35-15 deficit in ground balls.

Maine Maritime returns to action at home on Saturday when it opens North Atlantic Conference play against the University of Maine at Farmington beginning at 1 p.m.