The women's lacrosse team began its campaign for a fifth consecutive winning season this weekend, taking on Stonehill College in a preseason scrimmage. Although Stonehill earned the victory, 15−14, in overtime, the result of the game was less important to Tufts than the chance to experiment with its lineup in preparation for the first regular season game against Hamilton on March 10.
"We focused a lot on our transitions from defense to attack, and also communication on defense," senior tri−captain Lara Kozin said. "It gives us a chance to practice on working as a team."
The scrimmage was also an opportunity for the eight first−years to get their feet wet as Jumbos. Head coach Carol Rappoli is counting on the freshman to patch things up on the defensive end — although the Jumbos led the NESCAC in goals and points per game last season, they finished fifth in goals allowed per game.
"They're all working hard, and they all have positive attributes that they can add to the team," Kozin said of her freshman teammates. "It's tough to make the transition [from high school to college lacrosse], but they are all really good players and have the skills to do it."
Expectations will be high this year for the Jumbos, who will be looking to avenge a disappointing 13−12 loss to the eventual conference champion Trinity Bantams in last season's NESCAC semifinals. The lineup has a strong veteran presence, including the top goal scorers from last year — Kozin and Casey Egan — who will both return for their final year with the team. Meanwhile, sophomore Gabby Horner will be looking to build on an impressive freshman campaign, during which she scored 37 goals, tied for second on the squad with junior Kerry Eaton.
"We have a really experienced team, and we keep telling ourselves that this is our year," Kozin said. "We want to go all the way."
