CASTINE, Maine — Maine Maritime used a dominant first half and a balanced offensive attack to defeat Thomas College, 12-6, in North Atlantic Conference women's lacrosse action on Thursday afternoon at Ritchie Field.

Maine Maritime (5-3, 3-0 NAC) jumped out quickly, scoring twice in the opening quarter and erupting for five goals in the second to take a commanding 7-2 lead into halftime. The Mariners extended that advantage in the third period, outscoring Thomas 4-1 to put the game out of reach.

Junior Lillian Diversi led the Mariners with a game-high five goals and added two assists, playing a role in seven of Maine Maritime's 12 goals. Freshman Lauren Robinson contributed three goals and two assists, while junior Bella Scolaro tallied one goal and a team-high three assists. Junior Julia Wade (one goal, one assist) and freshman Hayden Meffert (one goal, one assist) also chipped in multi-point performances, helping power a 26-shot effort.

Maine Maritime's offense was efficient early, scoring six unanswered goals to build a 6-0 advantage midway through the second quarter. The Mariners also capitalized on player-up opportunities, netting three man-up goals during the contest.

Defensively, Maine Maritime matched Thomas with 22 ground balls and forced 26 turnovers while successfully clearing the ball on 18 of 25 attempts. Senior goalkeeper Ella Bowes earned the win, making five saves over 45 minutes, while sophomore Julia Milius added three saves in relief.

Thomas (2-4, 0-3 NAC) made a late push with four fourth-quarter goals, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Maine Maritime secured its third conference victory of the season.
Maine Maritime returns to action on Saturday battling Suffolk University on the road at noon in nonconference action.