In just the third year as a varsity program, the Kalamazoo College women's lacrosse program reached new heights in 2016 appearing in the MIAA tournament for the first time in program history and nearly advancing to the tournament final.
The Hornets look to begin their journey back to the postseason today against Illinois Tech under the direction of second-year head coach Jess Smith.
A strong core of talent returns to the field for Kalamazoo in 2017, particularly in midfield. Sophomore Amanda Moss led the Hornets with 29 points in 2016 as a freshman, scoring a team-high 19 goals and dishing out a team-high 10 assists. Also returning as a middie is senior Nicole Huff who scored 18 goals and tallied one assist.
In the attack, the duo of Anna Dairaghi and Vethania Stavropoulos will provide veteran leadership. Both seniors, they combined for 19 goals and three assists, while each playing in all 16 games in 2016. Dairaghi also sees time as a midfielder.
In the defensive third of the field, the Hornets return 2016 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year, goalie Katie Johnson, to anchor the defense. Allia Howard and Nicole Prentice, each of whom started all 16 games last season, also return to the Hornets' defense.
Tonight's season opener against the Scarlet Hawks is set to begin at 5 p.m. The Hornets' MIAA opener is scheduled for April 5 against Trine at MacKenzie Field.