Spring is here and second year head coach Kali Bills and the Adrian College women’s lacrosse team is ready for the 2023 season. This year, the Bulldogs are looking to improve their overall win total for the third consecutive season, something that the team has not accomplished since the 2009-2012 seasons, where they improved their record four straight seasons in a row.
One of the tasks Coach Bills is challenged with this year, will be filling the void of last year’s graduates Olive Stevens and Carlee Casteel. Last year, Stevens was a Defensive Conference Player of the Week (Week of March 21) and led the team in goals (60 goals), points (70 points), and was second on the team in assists (10 assists). Stevens finished tied for seventh in goals scored during MIAA play with 27 and was ranked seventh overall among MIAA players. With her 60 total goals scored in 2022, Stevens was ranked 35th in the entire NCAA Division III. Additionally, the Bulldogs will be without Stevens’ fellow graduate Casteel, who scored 31 goals (second on the team) and supplied 12 assists (first on the team) last season. Casteel finished last season ranked tied for seventh in goals scored during MIAA play. With the help from Stevens and Casteel, as a team, the women’s lacrosse squad scored 152 goals, marking their most goals scored in a season since 2019. The duo closed 2022 ranked inside the top eight in four statistical categories, including the most ground balls and draw controls.
Introducing Assistant Coach Liv Ghent
This offseason, standout Liv Ghent joined coach Bills’ staff. Ghent, a graduate from Trine University, will begin her first season as the assistant coach of the women’s lacrosse team. Last year, Ghent would score 77 goals and found herself ranked second among all players in the MIAA and 22nd in all of NCAA Division III. Additionally, coach Ghent’s 77 goals would propel her to an average of 4.81 goals per game, which was 13th best in all of Division III. During her career at Trine University, Ghent was named team captain and participated in the 2022 IWLCA Senior All-Star Game. The two-time All-MIAA player and 2022 Trine women's lacrosse Most Valuable Player set single-season records in points, points per game, goals, goals per game, and draw controls won in a single game for Trine. With her impressive resume, assistant Coach Ghent will be a vital asset towards the women’s lacrosse team's success in 2023.
The Newcomers
The women’s lacrosse team will see the addition of six freshmen from the class of 2026 on this year's roster: Melaina Springer, Abbey VanAssche, Megan Steffey, Emily Crager, Sydney Walters, and Hannah Reeves. The six newcomers enter their first season with an impressive background, earning All-Sectional, All-American, All-State honors and National Honors Society membership during their high school careers.
The Returners
Despite the departure of offensive weapons Stevens, Casteel, and Brooke Barabas, the Bulldogs will see the familiar faces of returners Zoe Weber and Cassidy McGeorge on the field in 2023. Last year in 14 games played for the Bulldogs, the sophomore Weber tacked on 12 goals and seven assists for the Bulldogs. At the end of the season, Weber ranked fourth on the team in goals and third on the team in assists in 2022. For the senior McGeorge, she contributed with eight goals and seven assists, which ranked her fourth on the team in total points last season.
This year's upper class features junior defenders Emily Leuneberg, Lauren Falzone, and Mey Sun. For the Bulldog seniors, McGeorge lead the attack, Joscelyn Potter will alternate between midfield and attack duties, and Jenna Anheuser will help hold down the fort on the defensive end. The six teammates have combined for 160 games played, 14 goals, and 37 assists for the Bulldogs.
Upcoming Schedule
The women’s lacrosse team will begin the 2023 campaign Friday, February 24, at 2:00 PM against Illinois Tech. at Docking Stadium.
When the calendar advances to the month of March, the Bulldogs will see a ramp-up in their frequency of games. The women’s lacrosse team will play seven times in March and eight times in April. After the first full week of April, the women’s lacrosse team will open MIAA play at Kalamazoo College on Saturday, April 8, at 1:00 PM. The Bulldogs will be looking to take their second game in their past three matches over the Hornets.
For the most up-to-date information on all things Adrian College women’s lacrosse, visit the team website and follow the team's official socials. For Instagram and Twitter @adrianwlacrosse, and Facebook @adriancollegewomenslacrosse.
Adrian College and the Athletic Department have partnered with Hometown Ticketing for the 2022-23 season. Tickets to all home women's lacrosse games will be sold online. Click the link here to purchase tickets to upcoming home games.
Fans unable to attend contests at Docking Stadium will be able to watch online through the Adrian College TV YouTube channel. For more information, go to www.adrianbulldogs.com or download the Adrian College Athletics mobile app on your smartphone device.