Worcester, MA --- Contenders in the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) in each of the last three years, Worcester State is ready to compete once again for the conference title after the squad posted a 9-6 record last season and a 5-2 mark in league play. Led by senior Shannon Feeley, the Lancers look to prove that they are the best team in the NEWLA.
"We have a really experienced offense," said third-year head coach Deb Draper. "Our biggest question is how well the team will mesh going into the season."
Feeley, a three-time All-NEWLA selection, will pace the team offensively after she scored 37 goals with 18 assists for 55 points last season. Feeley currently ranks second all-time in goals (115), assists (65) and points (180). Feeley also played a key role in the team's transition defense after she recorded 30 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers a year ago.
The Lancers will also return senior Megan Rosborough, junior's Brittany Jamieson and Abby Cosenza along with sophomores Carley MacIntyre and Karla Rotondi. Jamieson notched a second-best 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points while Rosborough and Cosenza each tallied 19 goals apiece. MacIntyre also contributed seven goals and three assists in 14 games. Newcomers to this year's squad, junior Brittany Cullen and freshman Megan Sheehan will also help pace WSC on the attack.
"We have several people who can really shoot the ball," said Draper. "We have a really unselfish group and not one specific player takes the lead on the attack. Really, everyone's a threat to score, all the way back to our defense."
On defense, senior Kim Cosenza and sophomore Colleen Manning along with junior classmates Kim Vail, Amanda Cosenza and Veronica Farell will help solidify the backfield. Cosenza, a three-year captain, helped lead the unit with 10 caused turnovers while Vail and Farrell registered team-highs of 13 forced miscues and 39 ground balls, respectively. Vail also added a second-best 38 ground balls and 19 draw controls. Senior Michelle Astuccio will also add some speed to the lineup.
Junior Kaitlyn Byrne along with freshman classmates Alex Kowalewski and Molly Martell will see time in the defensive rotation.
In the cage for the Lancers this season will be junior Caitlin Early who replaces All-NEWLA performer Lyndsey Nunes. Earley saw a little action between the pipes last season after collected nine saves in 96 minutes (six games). Earley will be backed up by freshman newcomer Haley Erickson.
Worcester State will open up their NEWLA schedule at home with Thomas College on March 20 before hosting Little East foe Rhode Island College on March 26. WSC will close out the month at Fitchburg State before entertaining NEWLA favorite Bridgewater State on March 31. In April the Lancers will play five of eight on the road which includes three conference opponents. The Blue and Gold's last home game will be against Becker on April 11.
"We won't take any of our opponents lightly and take it one game at a time," said Draper. "Bridgewater State has a strong team and Castleton State is good too. Westfield State and Fitchburg State are teams to look out for this year."
Worcester State's non conference schedule also includes UMass-Dartmouth, Emerson and Western Connecticut.