Women's Lacrosse Makes Season Debut at Bethel (IN)

Warrior Women's Lacrosse makes its season debut this Wednesday when the team takes on Bethel (IN) at 4:00 PM. After the season debut was delayed for weather complications, Head Coach Kayla Parks-Albrant and the team are excited to get the season started on the right foot.

"Our main point of emphasis is truly meshing and coming together as one," Parks-Albrant said. " We have some young freshmen and transfers that we added this semester, so opening day for us is all about teamwork."

The Warriors have spent the offseason prioritizing fundamental play and team chemistry. With a mix of experienced veterans and young players, the team will have plenty of learning opportunities during the season.

"One thing we as captains try to do is motivate the players by pushing them to do their best," senior captain Reba Sewell said. "We also want to encourage them to not give up whenever games get tough."

For the Warriors, there is plenty of excitement in the air about opening day. The team is looking forward to getting out and competing with weather conditions beginning to improve.

"I am very excited for opening day and getting onto the field again," senior captain Isabella Aune said. "As seniors, this is our last time competing at this level. To be mentally prepared for gametime, we are building connections with each other."

For Parks-Albrant, the training season has been a productive one.

"We wanted to change up our offensive and defensive strategies," Parks-Albrant said. "We spent a lot of time dedicated to both ends of the game. We also worked on strengthening all the basics of catching, throwing, shooting, and ground balls."

From a player's perspective, communication has played a big role in the buildup to the start of the season. According to Sewell and Aune, encouragement between teammates has been helpful in preparation for the season. The athletes have also put in a lot of individual work.

"For me, I've been mentally preparing by working hard in practice and on my own in the gym," senior captain Brynn Leblanc said. "We are really focusing on our skills and teamwork."

The team's bond has grown stronger with the clock ticking down toward the Bethel game. To the team, that's bigger than anything else on the field.

"My favorite part of coaching the team is seeing the girls braid each other's hair, put on eye black, and dance before games in the locker room," Parks-Albrant said. "The girls can be nervous, but they're also extremely excited to play."

(Featured Image: Hanna Swanson/Rochester University)