Caitlin Dorsch ~ Co-Editor in Chief
The University of Lynchburg Women’s Lacrosse team is looking to make a statement this upcoming season. The team has their sights set further than the first round of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament where they ended their 2019 season with a loss against conference opponent Shenandoah University by a score of 11 to 12.
The Hornets have six fourth-year players on their squad returning for this season. They are looking to use this maturity and strength to build upon the results of last season, ending their season with a 9-8 record overall.
The team used that defeat to adapt their mindset, getting ready to increase their ranking this season. Fourth-year defender and co-captain Erin Gardner said, “Our lacrosse team has been pushing each other through bootcamps, lifts, and practices in efforts to finish with a better outcome than last season.”
Throughout their off-season, they engaged in many captains-led practices, scrimmages, and conditioning sessions. Gardner and her other two co-captains, fourth-year attack Kelsi Trevisan and third-year midfielder Maysn Whitten, are excited to lead the team to a better result than last season with discipline, trust, and positivity.
One main focus area that the team has worked on throughout their off-season has been their technical abilities and their level of conditioning. They have embraced their own roles on the team, hoping to use their increased individual skills to benefit the team as a whole.
“We are taking the time to perfect ourselves individually with regard to fitness and stick skills. It is being able to undergo these skillful tasks under pressure that our team has been working to improve. Our team is a compilation of each person’s talents and efforts. So, by taking the time to be better on an individual level, we will be able to work more seamlessly as one unit,” said fourth-year defender Allie O’Leary.
Fourth-year midfielder Danielle Hook agreed with her teammates, O’Leary and Gardner, regarding how the team has worked tirelessly throughout their off-season. They all made note about the importance of remaining positive throughout the entirety of the season, no matter what obstacles may try to stand in their way.
Come out to support your fellow Hornets at home on Saturday Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. against the number 12 nationally-ranked Mary Washington University Eagles at home on Shellenberger Field. This will be their first match-up of the regular season as well as their first home game!