By Dean Greenwood, Reporter

After just falling short of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) tournament last season, Shenandoah University’s women’s lacrosse team looks to make a good run this season.

“Missing the tournament was a pretty big let down last year because I know we had the skill to get there but we didn’t utilize each other and the coaches like we should have,” senior captain Jacque Hemler said. Hemler said she is confident that they will do great this year if they stay in the right mindset.

The Hornets are coming off a season in which they won only five games and lost 12, which put their winning percentage at only 29 percent. They won two out of their seven home games, and won only one of their away games.

The Hornets scored 178 goals last spring. Of these, 39 of them came from Miranda Rudacille, who graduated following the season’s end. Junior Annie McCorry scored 37 of those goals and is expected to perform better this season. Junior Abby Zorrilla led the team in points with 49.

Although the Hornets lost many players since last season, they have 16 incoming freshman that look to make a big impact.

“We struggled last year with such a small team but this year we have plenty of subs and everyone has good skills,” Hemler said.

“As a returning captain, I feel much more confident to lead this team and I am proud of every girl out there,” she continued. “Each one has something to bring. I feel privileged to be a captain for this team and I will do my best to lead them.” 

The Hornets are projected fifth in the preseason ODAC rankings.

The Hornets will open up their season with a home game against Mary Washington University on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m.