Women's Lacrosse set to begin new era with 13 game slate
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's Lacrosse program is eager for a new beginning as the Trailblazers prepare to embark on a 13 game schedule under new head coach Allyson Baribault. The Trailblazers begin their season on March 14th with a non league game at Mitchell. MCLA was voted seventh in the 2020 MASCAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Framingham State has been selected as the preseason favorite to win the conference crown.
Baribault is ready to begin her career in North Adams after a brief stint at Castleton. The head coach returns a host of starter, but MCLA has some work to do if they want to contend in the MASCAC.
The Trailblazers return second team all conference performer Kim Granito (Glenmont, NY) to spear head the offense. Granito posted 42 goals last season, good enough for 8th in the MASCAC scoring race. She posted those totals in just 12 games. Granito will be counted on again to lead the offense.
Also returning for MCLA is second year midfielder Sara Tomkiewicz (Adams, MA). She tallied six goals last season. Nataejia Forte (Baltimore, MD) should see increased opportunities in 2020 in the midfield. Other Trailblazers hoping to make a splash on offense include Sara Kokic (Rocky Hill, CT), Molleigh Sanes (Great Barrington, MA), Shannon Prouty (Leicester, MA), and first year players Brooke DiGennaro (Pittsfield, MA) and Aubree McClure (Becket, MA).
On defense, MCLA will have a new keeper in Aleesha Quinlican (Watervliet, NY). Quinlican will be the last line of defense behind some veteran Trailblazers. Samantha Schwantner (South Hadley, MA) returns along with a host of newcomers. Joining Schwantner on defense will be Claudia Bresett (Adams, MA), Skyelyn Haynes (Hoosick Falls, NY), and Josie Burlingame (Leicester, MA).
Schedule
MCLA opens up with three of their first five game on the road. After the opener at Mitchell, MCLA will host Nichols over Spring Break on Wednesday, March 18th in the home opener. After two more non league road tilts, MCLA will open conference play against preseason favorite Framingham State on March 28th at Shewcraft Field.
The Trailblazers then play five of their next six on the road. MCLA will embark on a three game road trip before Salem State comes to the Berkshires on Friday, April 10th. The tough stretch ends with consecutive MASCAC road matchups at Worcester and Mass. Maritime.
MCLA will wrap up the regular season with a pair of games at Shewcraft Field. The Trailblazers host Westfield State on April 22nd before closing the regular season on Saturday, April 25th at home against Bridgewater State on senior day.
The MASCAC postseason tournament will take place during the following week.