Men’s Lacrosse:
2016 season: 3-11
Key Players:
Conor Walters ’19
Will McCarthy ’18
Erik Cannon ’17
Eric Joseph ’17
Jason Sands ’17
Kevin Lewis ’17
What’s changed:
The team lost a few key players due to graduation, including their primary goalie Ben Falcone ’16.
What’s the same:
The Leopards three top scorers, seniors Eric Joseph, Jason Sands and Kevin Lewis are back this year looking to close out their careers on a strong note.
Strengths:
All of the teams primary starters are back at the defense, midfield and attack positions putting experience on the side of the Leopards.
Weaknesses:
The team needs to improve at the beginning of games as early blowouts lead to insurmountable deficits last year.
What to watch for:
Senior LSM/Defense Erik Cannon is back for his final year. Coming off of his all-patriot league performance two years ago, Cannon is one of the teams top talents and will most likely find himself receiving all league honors again with a strong senior campaign.
Patriot League contenders:
In one of the toughest leagues in the country, Loyola and Navy round out the top two spots.
Last Word:
“The team has been working really hard since returning from winter break. We have a strong group of returners making this season as exciting as it is,” Joseph said.
Women’s Lacrosse:
2016 Season: 6-11
Key Players:
Emma Novick ’19
Hannah Davey ‘19
Kirsten Wilhelmsen ’17
Maggie Carver ’17
Charlotte Rath ’17
What’s changed:
The Leopards lost some key players due to graduation. This included Carlianne McCabe ’16, the teams third leading scorer, and Charlotte Avallone ’16.
What’s the same:
The teams top two leading scorers, senior Kirsten Wilhelmsen and sophomore Emma Novick, are both returning and look prepped for strong campaigns.
Strengths:
With a core group or returners in the sophomore and senior classes, the Leopards will have experience on their side this season.
Weaknesses:
The Leopards will need to step up on defense to win out close games this season.
What to watch for:
Senior Kirsten Wilhelmsen, a three time all-patriot league honoree, is back for her senior year. Wilhelmsen is one of the best players to ever suit up in Lafayette history and could win the offensive player of the year award with a strong showing this season.
Patriot League contenders:
The Leopards were picked to finish eighth in the Patriot League with Loyola and Navy rounding out the top two spots.
Last Word:
“The whole team has been working really hard since we arrived on campus in early January,” Wilhelsen said. “This team has a lot of depth and we’re able to push each other like no other group I’ve played with in the past.”
