Firebirds Show Grit but Fall to Felician in Season Opener

Sparks, MD – The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds women's lacrosse team opened their 2025 season with a strong effort but ultimately fell 13-9 to Felician University on Sunday afternoon at Tierney Field.

Despite trailing 5-0 after the first quarter, the Firebirds fought back, outscoring Felician in the second and third quarters before the Golden Falcons pulled away late in the fourth. Michelle Mitchell and Jada Williams led the way for UDC, combining for six goals and three assists.

First Quarter:

• Felician jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, controlling possession and capitalizing on early UDC turnovers.

Second Quarter:

• The Firebirds responded with three straight goals, including two from Jada Williams and one from Michelle Mitchell, cutting the deficit to 7-3 at halftime.

Third Quarter:

• UDC continued its momentum, with Grace Hall, Williams, Mitchell, and Gabriela Martinez finding the back of the net.
• The Firebirds outscored Felician 4-2 in the quarter to pull within 9-7.

Fourth Quarter:

• Hall and Mitchell scored early in the final frame, tying the game at 9-9 with just under eight minutes remaining.
• Felician, however, responded with a four-goal run to close out the game.

Key performances

• Michelle Mitchell: 3 goals, 1 assist, 6 shots (5 on goal)
• Jada Williams: 3 goals, 2 assists, 5 shots (4 on goal)
• Grace Hall: 2 goals, 2 ground balls, 2 draw controls
• Gabriela Martinez: 1 goal, 1 ground ball
• Goalkeeper Natalia Perkins: 24 saves, 13 goals allowed, 60:00 minutes played

UDC (0-1) will head to Chowan University next Saturday for an 11:00am match up.