Women's Lacrosse looking to make strides in year two
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's Lacrosse program is set to begin their second season of varsity competition next week when they head to Florida for a pair of opening matches. The Trailblazers are looking to make strides from their inaugural season in 2015 when they finished at 4-9 (0-7 MASCAC). Led by head coach Maria Bartini, the 2016 squad features nine returners and a host of newcomers waiting to make a splash. Here's a look at the squad:
On Offense-
The Trailblazers return Natalie Caney who scored 26 goals and added 16 assists last season. She started 12 games and appeared in all thirteen games for MCLA. Her speed and athleticism up front should be tough to handle as she picked up a team best 54 groundballs last season as well. Rachel Green should also be a threat to score as she posted 5 goals and 3 assists during 2015. Mackenzie Gregory also returns up front after appearing in 13 games last season. Returner Erin McNulty, who played defense last season, will get some opportunities to crack the scoring column this season as well.
Midfielder Mackenzie Cutler also returns after totaling 10 goals and 7 assists in 2015. She also played in all 13 games last season and will be counted on to secure the midfield. Newcomers looking to impact the scoring column would include Taylor Brewer, Courtney Gabrus, Sundra Lam, Lauren Sharer, and Erinn Rayno.
On Defense-
The Trailblazers will have many new faces on defense this season after the departure of the starting back line. MCLA will have a host of returners vying for starting nods and newcomers looking to push into the lineup. Veterans include Tanelle Ciempa and Gabriella Prata, both of whom saw action last year.
Many new faces will contest for time and they include Svetlana Morrell, Alex Wood, Andrea Villars, and Zoe Schwartz. All should see some opportunities early on this season.
In goal, the Trailblazers will turn to Zoe Elwell in her first season in an MCLA uniform. While the Trailblazers may be inexperienced on defense, Coach Bartini will have plenty of options.
About the Schedule
MCLA, who went 4-9 one year ago, will return to action in the sunshine state over spring break. The Trailblazers will challenge Goucher in the season opener on the 17th and then challenge Eastern Connecticut on the 20th to close out the trip.
Upon returning north, MCLA will have a road tilt at Sage on the 23rd before the home opener against Mitchell College on Saturday the 26th. All Trailblazer home games are scheduled to be played at Shewcraft Field.
The Trailblazers head to Johnson State on March 31st before heading into conference play that weekend. MCLA will head to Buzzards Bay for a matchup with Massachusetts Maritime Academy on April 2. Following a midweek game at Southern Vermont (4/7), MCLA will open a three game homestand.
Coach Bartini's crew will host Framingham State on the 9th in MASCAC play before taking on Becker on the 12th. The homestand closes with a matchup with Bridgewater State on 4/16. MCLA's final five matches are all against MASCAC foes.
The Trailblazers travel to Worcester State on the 19th before returning to Shewcraft Field on the 23rd hosting Westfield. Another midweek road game at Fitchburg State on the 27th will prelude the season finales and senior day game on the 30th against Salem State.
Should the Trailblazers qualify for the postseason, the MASCAC tournament will begin the first week of May.