MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – It has been almost a year to the day since the Millersville women’s lacrosse team had learned that their 2020 season had been cut short just days before their home opener due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the team returns ready for the home opener they never got the chance to play.
On Tuesday, March 9 the Marauders will play their first game in Biemesderfer Stadium in almost two years. With the day quickly approaching the excitement for Head Coach Cindy Wilson and her teams builds.
“We are excited. We are excited to be back together playing,” said Wilson. “Playing at home is always the best. No matter what the weather is, what the situation is, we’re just going to be really excited to get back out there.”
The past year came with its own challenges as the team hadn’t had the opportunity to be together and practice normally until recently. Wilson’s players rose to the occasion putting their team’s well-being first.
“We just really tried to focus on our relationships and connections on our team and taking care of the people in that circle. Everyone has done a good job of that and has been creative with how we have handled the situation,” said Wilson. “We are lucky to work with a group of young women who are resilient and drive. They want to be out there and do the best they can for our program. They have done a great job pushing forward and controlling what we can control.”
Millersville will welcome back seven starters for the 2021 including top two goal scorers from 2020, Grace Cobaugh and Gillian Zimmerman. Together the duo totaled 27 goals, 11 assists, and 38 points for the Marauders over five games.
“It’s a big strength for us having that experience under their belts and being able to lead through the midfield and on both sides of the ball,” said Wilson. “Having seven starters coming back is really helpful, especially with the season being cut short last year, because some of our younger players didn’t have the chance to get that experience.”
The only returning starter on defense, Michella Salvitti is ready to anchor her team in the backfield.
“Michella has done a really good job of becoming a more vocal leader and taking on that role and embracing it,” said Wilson. “She is really personable and approachable to her teammates. She is able to take them under her wing, help them grow, and solidify that defensive unit for us.”
The Marauders will see yet another change in net with sophomore Kaleigh Sasdelli stepping in.
“Kaleigh has a great presence in cage. She has a very calm personality and she is able to handle tough situations. She takes it in stride,” said Wilson. “She does a really good job of analyzing the game. She can see trends, which is a great quality for a goalie.”
Millersville added five freshmen to their roster for the 2021 season, one defenseman, two attackers, and one midfielder. The group had a less than ideal start to their collegiate careers, but have quickly adapted and prepared to take the field for the first time.
“They’ve done a really good job. Their personalities lend themselves well to be able to click with the team,” said Wilson. “We didn’t have fall practices, so it has only been a few weeks since they’ve met everyone in person. They want to go out every day and work hard. We coaches and their teammates value that. They’ve been able to open up.”
