WORCESTER, Mass. - Worcester State University's women's lacrosse team has been voted by coaches from the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) to finish fifth in the upcoming 2018 season.
Last season the Lancers finished with two wins in the MASCAC and completed their season with an overall record of 5-13 under the direction of head coach Kelly Downs.
This season the team returns 11 veterans and welcomes eight strong newcomers.
At the attack position, the Lancers return 2017 First Team All-Conference recipient, Mackenzie Little (Marlboro, Mass.) along with senior Alexis Vecchiarelli (Agawam, Mass.). Together the tallied a total of 83 goals and 31 assists last season. Little was not only the team leader in goals (47), but also in draw controls (79).
The midfield will be dominated again by sophomore Kelly Austin (Brimfield, Mass.) who helped her team to 11 goals and nine assists last season, while leading the team in caused turnovers (22). New comer Rachel Hopkins (Chelmsford, Mass.) will be contributing promising skills to the midfield this coming spring.
On the defensive end the Lancers will be guarded again by senior Alexa Harvey (Attleboro, Mass.) who finished last season with four goals, 12 draws, and 17 caused turnovers.
Newcomer, Chloe O'Brien (Sturbridge, Mass.) will be blocking shots for the upcoming 2018 season.
The Lancers kick off their season on Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. against the Hawks at Roger Williams University. The Lady Lancers will host their opening game against Colby Sawyer on Mar. 9 at 5 p.m.
2018 MASCAC Women's Lacrosse
Pre-Season Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes in Parentheses)
- Westfield State (6) 48 points
- Bridgewater State (2) 43 points
- Framingham State 36 points
- Fitchburg State 31 points
- Worcester State 25 points
- Salem State 21 points
- Massachusetts Maritime 11 points
- MCLA 9 points