CANTON, Ohio - For the first time in the program's three-year history, the Malone University women's lacrosse team hosted a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Tournament game. The Pioneers dropped their quarterfinal round game to Walsh University 16-14 and ended the year at 11-5, a new record for most wins in a season. The Cavaliers continue in 2026 with an overall record of 6-9.
 
Walsh went up 2-0 within the first two minutes of play but Abbey Burns responded with a free position goal and a rebound and score to go even. Ashtyn Praeter cashed in on a free position shot as well to match a score by the Cavaliers just over five minutes in. The Pioneers took a 6-4 lead at the end of the first quarter after Meg Ridgway and Alana Samek added their names to the scoring list.
 
Cam English netted all three goals in the second quarter for Malone, but Walsh was able to take a 10-9 lead into halftime. The Pioneers had seven turnovers in the second quarter alone that made it easier for the Cavaliers to regain the lead.
 
Malone struck first in quarter three, but Walsh began to pull away and jumped out to a 14-10 lead in the third. Burns netted a free position attempt with just under two minutes remaining to get to within three, but it was the Cavaliers who were in control.
 
Sydney Atkinson made a pair of critical saves at the seven-minute mark in the fourth quarter to keep the 16-12 lead from increasing. Malone used the momentum of a home crowd to score twice in the closing minutes, but it was not enough to rally in the 16-14 postseason loss.
 
Most team statistics were close to even, with the Pioneers up 26-25 on shots and both sides level with 19 turnovers apiece. Malone (18-for-19) and Walsh (17-for-20) cleared the ball effectively throughout the contest. The Cavaliers dominated the circle in their first meeting, but this time around it was more even at 17-15 in favor of Walsh.
 
English, Praeter and Burns paced the offense with three goals and one assist each. Ridgway collected a team-high four draw controls. Defensively, Regan Blythe had three caused turnovers and five ground balls. Atkinson (11-5) was credited with six saves.
 
Burns' 34 assists in 2026 is a new high mark for the program in a single season. She also collected 50 ground balls and 70 draw controls this season to lead the team. Sarah Bricker's 23 caused turnovers ties the single-season high for Malone. Atkinson sets a new save percentage mark at .473 on the year.