Women’s Lacrosse Season Preview: New faces to carry the load on offense

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Led by a deeper and more versatile roster than ever, the Bryant University women's lacrosse team is ready to show off its new look in 2017, starting with a reloaded and locked in offense.

For the first time in four years, the Bulldogs will rely on point production from names other than Lauren Descalzo ('16) and Nicole Britton ('16), but the current Black and Gold – both veterans and newcomers – are ready to shoulder the load.

Descalzo graduated as Bryant's all-time leader in goals and Britton as the school's all-time leader in assists and draw controls. But Descalzo missed seven games after suffering an injury midway through the 2016 campaign, giving others the opportunity to step up and paving the way for the diversity and depth of this year's offensive ranks.

"One great change for us is that our offense is much more spread out than it has been in the past," said fifth-year head coach Jill Batcheller. "We have a lot of people who want the ball and want to score."

At the top of that list is reigning NEC Rookie of the Year Jess DeMeo (Mount Sinai, N.Y.), who put together one of the most impressive debut seasons in program history in 2016.

DeMeo tallied the second-most goals ever by a Bryant freshman (34) and added three assists for 37 points, leading all rookie scorers in the Northeast Conference last year. She netted a goal in 11 of the last 12 games, tallying five hat tricks and 10 multi-goal outings on her way to being named to the All-NEC Second Team and NEC All-Rookie Team.

The five-time NEC Rookie of the Week was not the only Bulldog to have a career season, as junior attack Catlin Brown (San Diego, Calif.) finished second on the team with 45 points off 31 goals and 14 assists. She registered four hat tricks, three of which came over the final four games. Brown netted multiple goals in 11 contests, and she added another eight goals and two assists in two NEC Tournament games.

Batcheller's offense will also enjoy the return of senior attack Emily Columbus (East Northport, N.Y.), who missed all but two games last season due to an injury. Columbus led Bryant with 71 points in 2014-15.

"Jess, Emily and Cat are doing a great job of working off each other and playing together," said Batcheller. "They each have their roles on offense, and they know their own strengths."

Working in tandem with the trio will be a number of other contributors.

Senior midfielder Shannon Sullivan (Farmingdale, N.Y.) began last season as a defender but quickly evolved into an offensive force for the Black and Gold. She tallied 26 points on 20 goals and six helpers, all career highs. Sullivan scored in nine-straight games spanning six weeks midseason and posted multi-goal performances in six of the final nine games.

Senior Ali Cardinal (Schenectady, N.Y.) was a do-it-all midfielder for Batcheller last season, serving as a facilitator and operator behind the cage. She tallied 28 points on 15 goals and 13 assists while adding 11 draw controls and 12 ground balls.

Though she stands at just 5-foot-2, junior Meaghan Brennan (Glenn Head, N.Y.) played big in 2016. She appeared in 18 games while earning starting nods in all but two. She tallied 13 points on nine goals and four assists while adding seven draw controls, seven caused turnovers and 11 ground balls. Brennan was also named to the NEC All-Tournament Team.

"This year, our attack has a lot of depth, and everyone is really clicking and playing very creatively," said Batcheller. "I think our attack is a group of strong decision makers when it comes to shot selection and running our motions."

The midfield is well stocked with several sophomores looking to make even bigger strides this year after contributing as rookies. Lauren Britton (Monmouth Beach, N.J.) joined DeMeo on the NEC All-Rookie Team thanks to a 17-point season that also saw her win 16 draw controls and pick up 17 ground balls while appearing in all 18 games.

Emma Ahlrichs (Zionsville, Ind.) also earned time in all 18 games while making three starts. She registered 11 points on eight goals and three assists to go along with 19 draw controls, good for third on the team. Jasmine Perkins (West Babylon, N.Y.) appeared in 15 games in her first season as a Bulldog, tallying five points on three goals and two assists, while Meredith James (Essex Fells, N.J.) appeared in 10 games, tallied three goals and an assist and won 11 draw controls.

The attack and middies get even support with the addition of several new faces, including Maggie Pressler (Smithfield, R.I.), Caitlin Breglia (Long Beach, N.Y.), Francesca Smigliani (Hanover, Mass.), Leah Nocera (Westwood, Mass.) and Katherine Clark (New Fairfield, Conn.), who will all be lobbying for time in hopes of matching the production of last year's freshman class.