Women’s lacrosse enters their 2015 season with the largest competition field in its history after the addition of Whitman College to the conference.
Starting out as a feebly known sport on the west coast, senior defender Julie Mayhugh said lacrosse is quickly spreading throughout the area and the Northwest Conference is an exciting reflection of that.
Assistant Coach Kelly Stevens said George Fox University entered the conference strong last year and she expects Whitman to do the same.
Coming off of a winning 2014 season with a record of 8-7, Stevens said the new additions to the team have given them a new perspective to the game.
“We’ve got some really fun fresh blood,” Stevens said. “What this group lacks in experience, they make up for with tenacity and hard work.”
Mayhugh said the team has established solid connections and good flow during the preseason and sees a lot of potential for more growth in the upcoming games.
Stevens described the team as being comprised of a very competitive group of sophomores, strong leading juniors and two seniors who are holding tight to the established legacy of Pacific lacrosse.
Among the power players, she said junior defender Mahea Wong and Mayhugh add a sense of calm to the defense and seniors Amy Mayhugh and Meg Chapman are very committed and looking to make a deep impact.
“We have high goals this year and are capable of achieving them,” Chapman said.
The team will begin their season play with the Pacific Play Day Feb. 21, when the five conference teams will play each other in the Stoller Center.
Their official conference games start Feb. 28 with a home game against the University of Puget Sound at 12 p.m.
Stevens said the key to their success lies in continuing to find their love for the game and using whatever weaknesses they find to bring the whole game up.
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