By Alton Hall
Our Western New England University Women’s lacrosse team has been dominant in the beginning part of the season thus far. Their current record is 7-3 with three of their seven wins coming by double digit goals. They had a 5-game win streak that began when they traveled to Florida for spring break and defeated Sewanee: The University of the South 24-8 and Fredonia State University 18-5.
“I think the season has really started to pick up since spring break. We really bonded as a team and that is translating onto the field. As we get into conference play, I think we are growing and becoming stronger in different aspects every game,” says senior captain Samantha Vitka.
The team is led by a strong group of upperclassmen, including senior captain Hannah Jarvis (31 points), graduate student captain Reilly Miller (28 points), senior captain Liz Mazza (25 points), Vitka (22 points), junior Kylie Buchanan (18 points), and senior Madisyn Crotta (8 points). There have also been key contributions from a few underclassmen, including sophomore Anabella Arias (25 points), sophomore Ally Ferraro (21 points), and sophomore Emmy Burns (12 points). The Golden Bear defense is led by senior captain Hannah Richard (20 groundballs) and junior Ally Hill (19 groundballs), along with sophomore goalie Faith Graveline (63 saves).
Our Golden Bears opened conference play with a 16-8 win over the University of New England and a 17-4 win over Curry College. With six regular season games remaining, team expectations from the beginning of the season have not changed.
“For the rest of the season, our expectations are to succeed together and win a CCC championship. This team is very capable of that. No one on the team has done it before and it would be special to achieve that together,” says Miller.
Team chemistry has played a large role in their success so far this season. After their 2020 season ended early due to Covid-19 and their 2021 season was shortened due to Covid-19, the upperclassmen have been waiting for their chance to make a run in the CCC playoffs. Most championship teams consist of a close-knit group of individuals that have each other’s backs through all the ups and downs of a season. This can be a hard mentality to form within a team, but luckily for them, they believe they have that in their locker room.
“This team is like a family. We play for each other every day and are constantly pushing each other to be better. What sets this team apart from years past is how well we’ve bonded. We’ve all become so close,” says Richard.
While the players play the game, the coaches are just as important. Whether it’s calling plays, managing substitutions, or making in-game adjustments, the coaches need to be on their “A game” just as much as the players do. Our coaching staff, led by head coach Aimee Klepacki, has done a great job of that so far this season and continues to motivate the team to be better each day. “I think the biggest thing is that they hold us accountable. They have instilled the mindset of working hard every time we practice and play,” says Jarvis.
Through the years, as a player in a leadership position, you can learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to leading a team to success. This year’s group of captains, Miller, Mazza, Richard, Jarvis, and Vitka, have learned things that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. “I have learned to have more patience, as well as to be resilient. Not every day will be easy, but you must pick it back up the next practice or game and bring the same energy for you and your team,” says Mazza.
“Surrounding myself with people who care about the same end goals and share the same team values makes this experience so much more memorable. The last few years have been unpredictable, but I’ve learned to try and enjoy everything. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Getting through all the tough workouts, practices, and games, I know that on the other side, we’ll turn out okay. I’ve learned not to take these moments for granted because you never know what the future holds. One day, everyone on this team, myself included, will want to go back to those tough workouts, practices, and games and relive those moments, so I’ve learned to always make the most of it while I’m still here,” says Miller.
Our Golden Bears have three regular season home games remaining on their schedule. April 16 at 1pm versus Endicott College, April 19 at 4pm versus Salve Regina University, and April 27 at 4pm versus Roger Williams University. Be sure to show your support as they continue their run at a conference championship!
*Record, schedule, and statistics subject to change*
