Pacific Index

Women’s lacrosse enters 2026 with growth on their mind

After a challenging 2025 season, Boxer lacrosse have been building experience and are ready to bounce back by returning key veteran players, adding new faces, and training hard in hopes of sharpening their performance across the board. With a whole new slate of games scheduled and growth expected from both veterans and emerging young players, the team is beyond excited to see what they can accomplish this season.

   The 2025 season was a learning year for the Boxers lacrosse team. After competing against a tough schedule, the Boxers experienced ups and downs. Early in the year, they struggled against some formidable conference opponents like Linfield and Whitworth. While challenging, these matches showed they could compete in spurts, including an impressive 13-7 victory at Pacific Lutheran—and more wins later on over Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound late in the season. Offensively, Pacific had bright spots, with contributions in key games that greatly showed potential in opportunities to score points. On defense and in goal, the team faced hard competition, pushing for adjustments and development focus throughout the season. The 2025 results reflected both the challenges of a growing program and the inspiring promise of future progress. 

   The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Brittany Hartmann, enters the season with both returning leadership and renewed determination to improve across all phases of play. “We have the most ball carriers we have ever had. Although we are low on roster numbers, we have awesome humans and athletes. It is going to be a fun year!”

   Having low roster numbers can make it difficult in any sport, but according to Coach Hartmann, the team used the offseason to fine-tune each player’s skills. “It is hard to focus on just a few players since the entire team has elevated in a lot of areas. One thing to know about lacrosse is that stick skills are everything and we had the most improved stick skills as an entire group from last year to this year. I am excited to see that hard work pay off for everyone,” gushes Hartmann.

   When you have a special group like Coach Hartmann describes she has this year, they usually have an identity they want to display and show to everyone watching. Coach Hartmann says, “I want our team to be known for being relentless. We have a lot of leaders that have demanded excellence, specifically in the offseason, so I want to see that come into fruition in our 4th quarters as a team.” 

   Pacific’s 2026 schedule is sturdy. Some key matchups this year included their season opener when they traveled to Eastern Oregon University on February 14, their upcoming home game scheduled for February 24 vs University of Redlands, and a competitive home rivalry game against conference opponent Linfield University on February 28. This schedule allows the Boxers to challenge themselves early and often, with a nice mix of conference and non-conference play that will test their new squads mental and physical determination.

   Improving on last year’s results will hinge on the team’s development of control, execution, communication, and consistency. With a return of experienced juniors and strategic scheduling that includes both familiar rivals and new challenges, this year’s team has the opportunity to make strides within the Northwest Conference.