ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Junior forward Halee Smith dropped in 18 points in the team's season-ending loss to Navy on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the Patriot League tournament.

Patriot League Rookie of the Year Zanai Barnett-Gay led the Mids' offense with 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting.

The Mids jumped out to an early 6-2 lead thanks to buckets by Kate Samson and Kyah Smith. The Leopards then scored five unanswered points, taking their first lead of the game (8-6) with 4:13 to go in the first quarter. Navy led 13-12 after 10 minutes in Annapolis.

Navy outscored the Maroon and White 20-6 in the second quarter. Sydne Watts and Morganne Andrews combined for 16 of the Mids' 20 points. At the intermission, Navy led 33-18.

Barnett-Gay and Kate Samson continued to stretch Navy's lead as the second half began, combining for 13 of the Mids' 19 points. With 1:18 remaining in the third period, Navy grabbed its largest lead of the game (27 points) after Toni Papahronis sunk both of her free throws from the line. After three quarters of play, the Mids led 52-25.

Lafayette outscored Navy 20-15 in the fourth quarter. Smith and All-Patriot League Third-Team selection Abby Antognoli combined for 16 of the Leopards' 20 points. In the end, the Maroon and White were unable to complete the comeback. Navy now advances to the quarterfinal round where it will face No. 2 Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y.

The Mids committed 11 fewer turnovers than the Leopards (19-8) which proved to be crucial down the stretch.

Lafayette concluded the 2023-24 season with a 10-20 (5-13 PL) overall record.