LEWISTON, Maine – The Bates College women's lacrosse team continued its strong start to the 2025 season with a 9-7 victory over Williams in the Bobcats' home opener Saturday at Garcelon Field. The win snapped a three-game losing streak against the Ephs and marked Bates' first 2-0 start in NESCAC play since 2016.

Bates (4-1, 2-0 NESCAC) rode a balanced offensive attack and a stellar performance in goal from Raegan White to hold off Williams (0-2, 0-1 NESCAC) down the stretch. White made 12 saves, including several crucial stops in the fourth quarter, to secure the victory.

After falling behind 3-1 early in the second quarter, the Bobcats responded with a four-goal run, sparked by a pair of unassisted goals from Laci Raveis. The senior midfielder finished with a game-high three goals and an assist. Caroline Taggart also recorded a hat trick for Bates, while Grace Cassin added two goals.

Bates carried a 5-3 lead into halftime, but Williams battled back in the third quarter, closing the gap to 6-5 after goals from McKenna Dwyer and Ainsley Abel. Cassin's second goal of the day at the 3:03 mark, followed by a man-up tally from Julia Roelofs with 1:14 left in the quarter, pushed Bates' lead back to three entering the final frame.

Williams again fought back in the fourth, with Anna Miller scoring on a free-position shot to make it 8-6. However, Taggart responded with a key insurance goal on a man-up opportunity off an assist from Raveis at the 6:30 mark. A late unassisted goal from Williams' Reece Willison cut the deficit to two, but the Bobcats held firm in the final minutes to seal the victory.

Despite being outshot 27-23, Bates made the most of its opportunities while forcing 16 Williams turnovers. The Bobcats struggled slightly in the draw circle, winning just seven of 18, but their defensive pressure proved to be the difference.

The Bobcats will next see action Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with a home contest vs. the University of New England.