The Slippery Rock women’s lacrosse team will begin its season on March 6 in Davenport, Fla. to face Shorter University of Georgia.
The Rock ended last season with an overall record of 9-8 and a conference record of 7-5.
The team saw its season come to an end after a 15-3 defeat to unbeaten Lock Haven. The Rock was on a five-game winning streak before that loss, scoring 78 goals in that span.
Head Coach Emily Hopkins was disappointed with the way last season came to an end.
“We didn’t move on mentally for Lock Haven like we should have as a team,” Hopkins said.
The women will look to get revenge on April 9 when they travel to Lock Haven for a 1 p.m. match-up.
The team will be without six players from last year who graduated after the season.
Paige Costantino will be a significant loss as she finished second in goals and points last season for SRU. Hopkins also believes that Sarah Morris will be a big loss on the defensive end.
“Morris was a four-year starter who led by example and had an amazing season last year,” Hopkins said. “Our team has prepared well and lots of players are stepping up to fill those shoes.”
Slippery Rock will be returning two all-conference midfielders to the team this season.
Senior Erin Wilcox will be back for her final season after leading The Rock in goals scored last year with 50 and senior Kaytlin Callaghan will also be playing in her final season after leading the team in total points last year with 71.
“We expect them (Wilcox and Callaghan) to have another great season. Our defense is very solid and seasoned,” Hopkins said. “We are excited to have more depth in the midfield and to see who steps up on the offensive end.”
Also returning for The Rock is junior midfielder Jasey Sanders, who tallied 24 goals and eight assists last season.
Seven seniors will be acknowledged on April 23 for senior day against Shippensburg University at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
Hopkins thinks the team always wants to do well and win for the seniors.
“It’s a bittersweet day for me because I have spent the last four years with the seniors and I have watched them mature on and off the field and it’s hard to think about the next season without them,” Hopkins said.
The Rock will face 12 PSAC opponents throughout the season, finishing with nine straight conference games en route to the conference playoffs.
The overall goal for Hopkins and the girls is to be PSAC champions while achieving back-to-back winning seasons.
