NIAGARA UNIVERSITY N.Y., – After an 8-10 season, which included a 5-3 record in the MAAC, the Women’s Lacrosse team looks to improve in the 2019 season.
The team is very experienced, with 19 returning players, which includes two-time first team all MAAC attacker Rachel MacCheyne, who also earned the distinction as the first All-American Regional Honoree in program history. Other returning All-MAAC selections include A Caroline Crump, and M Alexis Morales.
“Rachel [MacCheyne] and Caroline [Crump] have put up consistent numbers,” Head Coach Wendy Stone explains. “They have proven that over their careers and I expect them to continue that. Overall, we are a very experienced team. We are more balanced than in previous years.”
Like last season, the team has a very vigorous non-conference schedule to start the season, which includes playing the Ohio State Buckeyes on March 3rd, as well as Michigan Wolverines on March 25th.
The tough out-of-conference schedule seems to do the trick in terms of setting up for success in MAAC play, as coach Stone is the first coach in program history with a winning record in MAAC play in three consecutive seasons.
“We try to schedule an out of conference schedule against the toughest opponents we can,” Stone stated. “The better the competition we play, the better the product we have on the field, and the quality of play is better.”
While the non-conference schedule is a great way to help prepare the team to make a strong run in the MAAC tournament in May, Stone also eludes to the team chemistry, and the strong bond the players have with one another.
“It’s a tight knit group,” Stone mentioned. “Everyone loves spending time together on and off the field. This year’s senior class has created a culture where everyone knows it’s a team first job, and sometimes you’re playing a role you’re not familiar with.”
The Purple Eagles next home game is Saturday Feb. 23 against Central Connecticut State. For more information, visit purpleeagles.com.
Niagara Wire 