As spring inches nearer, so does the women’s lacrosse season. If the team performs anything like they did last season, then they are sure to impress. The Knights went 14-3, winning all five of their home games and averaging 26 shots and 11 goals per game—all while shooting at a spectacular 43 percent. The women made it all the way to the SUNYAC finals, losing to SUNY Fredonia 8-3.
In a Feb. 1 poll, Geneseo was ranked 18th in the nation for Division III. This is a huge accomplishment and although it is no guarantee, the ranking points toward a great season ahead.
Out of the 28-person lineup from last season, only four of the women were graduating seniors—a remarkably low number. This is a great thing for the Knights, as it allows them to keep up the momentum from their 2015 season.
The lineup for this year includes eight freshmen, meaning the roster has depth. This is something that any sports team—at any level—is always in desperate need of.
Returning to the team are key scorers senior attacker Tara Basile and senior midfielder Liz Felix. Both Basile and Felix were second and third on the team in points last season respectively, with Basile racking up 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points and Felix contributing an impressive 39 goals and one assist for 40 points.
Sophomore midfielder Erin Cregan will also look to remain heavily involved in the offense, as she started every game of her freshman campaign. Cregan was fourth on the team in points last season with 26, putting up 20 goals and six assists. Cregan was also the only freshman to start and play in all 17 games last season, which she will look to repeat in hopes of bringing the Knights back to the NCAA Tournament in May.
Defensively, the Knights took a hit with the loss of defender Aileen Kurpis ‘15. The Knights will rely heavily on senior defenders Meagan Cook and Bridget Lincoln and junior defender Jenelle Lightfoote to pick up the slack. These three players will be essential for the Knights’ defensive presence—one of the best in the SUNYAC.
Senior goalie Claudia Coleates returns to the team this year and if Geneseo wants to have another successful season, they will need her to come alive in goal. Coleates had a spectacular season in 2015, starting in 12 out of the 17 games and allowing the Knights to win 86 percent of their games. As a result of her impressive work for the team, Coleates was named to the first team All-SUNYAC.
If Geneseo wants to make it to the SUNYAC final again this year, however, the women’s lacrosse team is going to need another big year from not just a few players, but everyone.