Penn State Women’s Lacrosse Preview vs Bucknell
This Saturday, Penn State Women’s Lacrosse will take on Bucknell University for their first game of the 2023 spring season. After a tough last season in which the Nittany Lions posted a 6-9 overall record and won zero of their conference matchups, they are looking to turn their luck around.
Although Penn State was ranked last in the 2023 Big Ten preseason poll, they are not to be underestimated. Sophomore Ellie Hollin and juniors Sammy Dupack and Kristin O’Neil have all been named Big Ten preseason players to watch. This is Dupack’s second year winning this award, and she will look to put up more team-leading stats this season.
Along with last season’s returners, the team has added nine new Nittany Lions to their roster. Last year’s offensive skill combined with some fresh defensive talent should set this young team up for success.
With this many newcomers, good leadership will be crucial throughout the season. The team will have three co-captains; junior Kristin O’Neil and seniors Rachel Spilker and Regan Nealon.
According to head coach Missy Doherty, “They are selfless, hard-working, competitive, and motivate their teammates through their own actions.” It’s safe to say the Nittany Lions are in good hands.
The Bucknel Bison are also looking to improve this season, with a goal of getting back into the conference tournament mix for the first time since 2017.
The team had a successful run last year, beating notable teams including Army, which went on to finish second place with a 7-2 conference record.
However, a late season slip during which they lost by one goal to both American and Boston University caused their postseason dreams to fall out of reach.
Bucknell’s 2023 captains are Caitlin McHale, Caroline Miller and Ella Payer, three of the team’s seven seniors. Miller is a midfielder who set career highs in goals, assists, and points last season. Payer and McHale are both key veteran defenders who will hold down the back line this season.
Although the team has lost quite a few starters, it is filled with talent. Despite the loss of strong goal scorer Emma Cashwell, the midfield remains Bucknell’s deepest, most versatile unit.
Coach Dando has many options to choose from, all of whom are two-way players who excel in both the defensive and offensive ends.
Due to changing schedules and multiple seasons shortened by Covid-19, these two teams have not gone head-to-head since February of 2015, when Penn State dominated the game, earning a 17-2 win.
Eight years later, these two teams will face each other again. The game will take place at noon this Saturday at Panzer Stadium.
Anna Licastro is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email arl5942@psu.edu.
