CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. – The Capital University women's lacrosse team opened up the 2026 season with an 18-17 loss on the road at Thomas More on Wednesday evening. The Comets found themselves leading 17-12 at one point, but a late surge by the hosts led to the final 18-17 scoreline. 

Capital is now 0-1 to start the season, while Thomas More is 1-0. 

Capital emerged from the first quarter with a slight edge, leading 5-4, after the team had fallen behind early, 1-0 and 2-1. The first goal of the season went to Ava Vendetti who would go on to add another tally in the first quarter as well. Heather Stoner also scored twice in the first quarter, joined on the scoresheet by freshman Mia Cruz who converted a free-position goal for her first career goal. 

In the second quarter, the two teams' offenses dipped in production, but the Comets got goals from Leah Leno and Vendetti to stay within reach at halftime, 9-7.

In the third quarter, the Comets were dissatisfied with falling behind through the second quarter and the team rattled off seven goals in the third quarter alone. Vendetti scored twice in the frame to lead the way, joined on the score sheet by two goals from Leno and two from freshman Sydney Norch – the first two goals in her career. Grace Wolfe also added her name to the scoresheet with a goal off an assist from Norch. 

Starting the fourth quarter, the Comets kept their foot on the gas getting goals from Stoner, Vendetti and Cruz early on to make it 17-12. The Saints would go on to score the next two, tightening the margin to 17-14 with 6:15 left to play. 

By the end of regulation, unfortunately for the Comets, the momentum from the Saints was enough to claw all the way back and secure a 18-17 victory before the final horn. 

THE NUMBERS
Ava Vendetti led the team with eight points on six goals and two assists. She also added two ground balls and six draw controls. 

Sydney Norch put forth a career game in her first collegiate contest, chipping in five points on two goals and a team-high three assists. She also added one ground ball and two caused turnovers. 

Two Comets would each score three times each as Leah Leno and Heather Stoner each netted a hat trick. 

Mia Cruz scored twice in her debut game, joined in the scoring by Grace Wolfe with one. Cruz also led the team in ground balls with three, while Wolfe caused two turnovers and had two draw controls. 

Others to pick up ground balls were Holly Stoner, Eleanor Walsh, Khady Fall, and Sienna Pinson. Pinson also contributed an assist in her debut outing. 

UP NEXT
Capital will stay on the road as they travel to Alma, Michigan to battle the Scots on Saturday, February 21st at 3:30 p.m.