After finishing the 2013 season as co-champions of the American Lacrosse Conference and losing to No. 1 Northwestern in the quarter- finals, the Penn State women’s lacrosse team was ready for redemption, the moment fall ball began. With the addition of eight new freshmen, a few transfers, and a more mature team, this group of girls was anxious to continue their most recent success.

Assistant coach Brooke Matthews has continuously remarked that she wants her team, “to not just make the playoffs, but compete for a National Championship.” This year’s fall tournament schedule was one of the steps that will help take this team to the next level. Matthews has worked alongside, head coach Missy Doherty and assistant coach Amy Altig to use the fall as a way to try out new combinations and put girls in different positions.

“We are playing everyone this fall and using the freshman mostly in the midfield. We want them to adjust to college lacrosse and this is the best way to push them and give them their reps,” said Matthews.

The fall ball schedule has helped get everyone on the field, create chemistry among the team, and see how each player will make a difference.

The team began the fall with their annual alumnae game. Matthews referred to the game as an easy scrimmage and a great way for former and current players to interact.

The fall ball schedule consisted of three tournaments played all across the east coast. The first tournament was the Play for Parkinson’s Tournament on October 6th, where the team faced Duke, Towson and JMU.

On October 20th, the team travelled to Radnor High School in Wayne, PA, where they played Temple, Duquesne and Georgetown. The final tournament was held at University of Delaware, on October 26th. During the last tournament, Penn State faced Georgetown, Penn and Delaware.

During fall ball tournaments, officials do not keep score, but Matthews said she was pleased with her team’s performance.

“The team did very well, we improved throughout the fall which was our goal. We were trying different combinations, seeing who works well together, and who is going to assert themselves each game and tournament. “

Matthews talked about the importance of returning players stepping outside of their comfort zone and improving on last year’s performance.

“We are counting on them to do more and they did a good job working on that. “

Matthews pointed out how important the fall tournaments were when determining where all of their new players would fit in. Playing other teams helped the Penn State coaches evaluate their team as a whole and realize what things they need to work on.

Brooke Matthews and her fellow coaches were pleased with their team’s fall performance, but agreed they have a lot of work to due throughout pre-season to reach their goals.

Maddie Brightman is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mvb5601@psu.edu.