The Geneseo women’s lacrosse team has finally found their forward momentum—just in time for the end of the regular season and playoffs.
The team has just come off a two-game winning-streak, defeating both SUNY Oswego on April 18 and SUNY Fredonia on Tuesday April 25. The 13-4 win against Oswego was crucial to the team’s success and was described as a “must win game” by head coach Carly Ritchlin.
“It was a great win for the team; it just confirmed for us how talented we are and if we continue with the all-in attitude and continue to persevere, we can compete with any team we play,” Ritchlin said.
These wins also help the team to put themselves in the best position possible for postseason seeding. The goal every year for the Knights is to make it far in the playoffs and to win the NCAA Championship.
“I know this team has the heart and the ability to [keep winning],” Ritchlin said. “We have learned a lot this season, and we are finally coming together and playing well together.”
The team started off the season in a very off-and-on fashion, unable to keep much of a winning streak. Ritchlin attributed this to the young nature of the team. The new players had to take time to get used to the team dynamic and to the collegiate aspects of the game.
“We are a young team that took a bit of time to find our way,” she said.
As a result, the team had a lot to learn and this ensured a sturdy foundation for the team not only for the remainder of the season, but for the future as well.
“We hit a couple of rough patches and not once did anyone give up. That speaks volumes in terms of what type of players we have,” Ritchlin said. “They are amazing young women who sacrifice so much to be successful. I am very proud of them.”
The team’s three seniors played an integral role in leading the team to its success thus far. Their leadership styles have made a deep impact on the younger players and they embody what Geneseo lacrosse means.
Ritchlin noted the seniors’ incredible work ethics, which they demonstrated not only this season, but also throughout each of their years playing for the team. The drive to work hard sets a good example for the team’s future leaders.
“Everyone has been committed to bringing this team together—the ladies have worked really hard and have been challenging themselves and each other to be the best team we can be,” Ritchlin said. “We are talented, hardworking and committed to success.”
For the rest of the season, the Knights are focused on winning games. They have two home games against St. John Fisher College on Friday April 28 and SUNY Potsdam on Saturday April 29.
Coming off these last two wins, the team is arguably in their best form, which can only bode well for the rest of the season.