After finishing with a 3-5 conference record and falling short of making the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament last year, Oregon women’s lacrosse is looking to make a statement as a new season begins.
Led by a strong senior class, including Shannon Propst, who set the record for most points in a single season last year, and goalie Caroline Federighi, Oregon has hopes high for a successful season and earning a spot in the conference tournament.
“We had a really good fall and I was really pleased to see how people are stepping up,” head coach Jen Beck said.
Federighi said she thinks her fellow seniors’ experience and leadership can help the team excel this season.
“We all have different roles on the team and I feel like we handle ourselves well,” Federighi said.
Federighi, along with senior defender Erika McCool, should lead the Ducks on defense this season.
“I think we have a lot more leadership in our young girls…this year as they have advanced in their play, the defense as a unit will be a lot stronger and trustworthy when we need to send slides early—people are going to have our backs.”
Beck also mentioned that sophomores Alison Sharkey and Jacqueline Moccia are younger players who have the ability to step up for the Ducks on defense this year.
“I think there are going to be new names people are excited about and a different level each of them will be competing at, that’s what we’re excited about,” Beck said.
On the offensive side, there is no denying that Propst has the ability to set the pace for Oregon.
Beck complimented her ability to dish the ball to her teammates but also be a goal scorer.
“She is selfless and wants the whole unit to connect,” said Beck.
As only a sophomore, midfielder Carly O’Connell could also provide a spark for Oregon on offense after a strong freshman season. The Massachusetts native tallied 16 goals and 17 assists for the Ducks last season, while being successful on draw control.
“Carly is hungry for the ball,” Beck said.
The nine-year head coach also added that O’Connell has benefitted from the upperclassman to help improve her play.
“The seniors this year are all awesome leaders … their impact is huge,” O’Connell said. ”We have a lot of returners and the connections are what is going to be key.”
Although the team often travels east for games, Beck said it is never really hard to adjust because the women are used to it with 6 a.m. practices and because many of the team members hail from the other side of the country.
“A lot of adrenaline is kicking because they (some team members) get to play in front of family,” Beck said. “They get excited about that and are really proud to put on the uniform and play.”
The Ducks were suppose to face Stetson in DeLand, Fla. on Sunday morning, but due to the weather affecting their travel plans, the game is set for Monday afternoon.
Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman