Season Outlook: 2023, the year to 'prove it to ourselves'
2/24/2023 11:20:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - Under the direction of first year head coach Kaitlyn Hafdell, the Millersville women's lacrosse team is embracing change and preparing for another competitive season as the start of the Marauders 2023 campaign begins Saturday, Feb. 25. In 2022, the Marauders had a taste of what success by returning to postseason action after three years of falling short. They also set a new standard for Millersville lacrosse with the second most wins in program history. Rising to the occasion for a second straight season under new leadership comes with challenges, but Hafdell has been nothing but eager and confident in the 'Ville squad this year.
"I've had a great start," says Hafdell. "The girls were super enthusiastic and open to new coaching styles and changes. They are a great group which makes my job very easy. They work hard and put a lot on themselves to get better every day."
Hafdell previously coached for two years at the Division III level for Southwestern University and is the fifth coach in the history of Millersville lacrosse. The California native is no stranger to the PSAC as she played lacrosse at Slippery Rock University from 2011-2014.
"I missed the Division II life," says Hafdell. "Getting back in the PSAC which was a competitive conference I played in is a familiar place that I'm happy to be back at."
Experience within the PSAC can bring the Millersville team a new outlook and edge to prepare them for their tough conference opponents. Hafdell discussed what it was like playing in the PSAC and what she's implementing to the team from her knowledge.
"Remembering as a player the tough competition," Hafdell says. "Going into every game prepared because nothing is going to be an easy route; it's going to be a battle to the last minute. If it's a win, it's going to be a great win. If it's a loss, it's going to be something we can learn from. It'll be a good challenge as a coach in the PSAC, but I'm prepared for it."
Goals of making the 2023 PSAC Tournament stem from the success Millerville saw last season. Millersville ranked at No. 4 in the PSAC East preseason poll after they posted a 12-6 overall record and went 8-4 in the PSAC which clinched them a chance at postseason action. Millersville faced the nationally ranked West Chester, which ended the Marauders' PSAC Tournament run, but Hafdell sees the opportunity of continuing postseason appearances from this 'Ville team.
"I knew they had a taste of success," says Hafdell. "They're hungry to continue and grow off what they earned last year. They know they are a good program and team; they want to prove it again. This is the year of proving to everyone that we are just as good as our tough competition. We are going to show another year and another successful finish. They are very excited to continue that."
Millerville returns 19 players from 2022 and adds eight new faces to the roster. The Marauders attack will need to replace its top four goal scorers from last season including Gillian Zimmerman, Amanda Juliano, Kristi Kada, and Grace Cobaugh. Senior midfielder, Kada, was third on the team in goals and earned All-PSAC Second Team honors in 2022, but an injury that ended her 2022 season will prohibit Kada from returning to the field this season.
Hafdell has seen leadership and encouragement within the team's culture which has translated to their on-field chemistry. This is something Hafdell has relied on to shape the 2023 team.
"They've been great leaders," says Hafdell. "The culture of our program really speaks for itself. The team respects and motivates each other every day. The upperclassmen understand what I expect, and they lead by example. They've stepped up a lot and have embraced my style of coaching."
Key players on the attack include Rachel Keeney and Ashlyn Simonetti, who are just in their second season in the black and gold. Keeney appeared in 18 games for the Marauders and started in 15 games. The sophomore scored 18 goals with a .739 shot percentage and ranked third on the team in draw controls. Simonetti ranked second on the team in assists (13) and scored 15 goals for Millersville. The attacker recorded 28 points in her freshman season and held a .806 shot on goal percentage.
Charlotte Lasak returns to the midfield and will be crucial to the Marauders' structure. The junior appeared in 17 games and started 16 in 2022. She tallied 15 goals and dished out four assists. Lasak recorded two game winning goals, which ranked second on the team.
Playing on the defensive end are Taiyana Goldsborough, Liv Genovese, and Maya Porrecca. Goldsborough is a fierce defender as she led the team in caused turnovers (20) and scooped up 31 ground balls last season. Genovese started in 16 games where she scored eight goals and dished out three assists as a defender. The junior won 27 draw controls and caused a total of 16 turnovers for the Marauders. Porrecca appeared in 18 games and started in five during her freshman campaign.
Earning All-PSAC Second Team and IWLCA All-Region Second Team during her first season was Morgan Scott, who will defend the goal for Millersville. The sophomore led a Marauder defense that played a large role in the team finishing the regular season with the second most wins in program history. Scott posted an 11.16 goals against average, .455 save percentage, and recorded over eight saves per game, numbers that all ranked top-10 among PSAC goalkeepers.
Hafdell has seen promising action from the freshman class that includes Jenna Davis, Clare Rousey, Mary Moraca, Kaleigh Dunn, Katlyn Krebs, Brooke Murrell, Hailey Jordan, and goalkeeper Lara Kruck.
"They are excited," says Hafdell. "They are new with me and have embraced everything well. There are some freshmen that are really going to make a difference in each game, they aren't afraid and are going to be heavy hitters this season. I'm excited for them to go out and show that they can hang with the competition."
The Marauders open their 2023 season on Saturday, Feb. 25 against Jefferson University at Biemesderfer Stadium, an anticipated game which will kick start the next chapter for Millersville lacrosse.
"The girls are ready," says Hafdell. "They have been waiting for this game and have put a lot into this preseason with the preparation involved. They are confident and know what needs to be done. They are ready to go out there and get a win."
