FAIRFAX, Va. – A new expectation has been created for George Mason lacrosse.
After breaking into the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament for the first time in program history, the Patriots don't just want to go back. They want to contend for a championship.
That quest begins Wednesday when the 2016 campaign officially begins. Mason hosts Mount St. Mary's at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday at George Mason Stadium (admission is free).
The Patriots welcome back 15 letterwinners and eight starters from the 2015 team that delivered a breakout season in
Jessy Morgan's first year as head coach. Mason finished 10-7 for the program's first 10-win season and winning record since 2008. The Patriots finished tied for third in the A-10 to clinch a spot in the conference tournament, where they were upended seven-time defending champ Massachusetts.
Now, with the A-10 Tournament expanding from four teams to six teams, the Patriots aren't complacent with just making the field.
“We need to get deeper into the Atlantic 10,” Morgan said. “We're really trying to get to that championship game and play a good season to give us an opportunity to get there. Obviously, (seven-time defending champ) UMass is who everybody is trying to avoid so you have to finish pretty high to avoid them in the early rounds. We need a good solid season. We want to finish high.”
Last year's progression certainly earned the Patriots respect from their A-10 counterparts. They were picked to finished fourth in the coaches conference preseason poll, marking their highest projected finish since joining the A-10 prior to the 2014 season.
They also bring a ton of game experience back, returning eight players who started at least 14 games in 2015. Leading the way is a formidable offensive attack. The junior trio of
Jacquelyn Spalding,
Alexa McGovern and
Melissa Lobaccaro combined for 98 goals and 128 points last year. McGovern (32 goals, six assists) was named to the All-Atlantic 10 First Team while Spalding (35 goals, 22 assists) was tabbed to the Second Team.
“We should be fairly strong offensively. Every year is different because you lose some girls that were key components in some areas and you've got to see how the other girls fill those positions. A lot of our scoring comes back. I'm happy that they've even got better. Those girls that were dominating for us last year are even better than they were. Hopefully that helps to fill a lot of voids we might have.”
Defensively, seniors
Erin Anderson and
Gina Purdue anchor the back line. Anderson – one of two team captains along with redshirt senior
Kelli Beard – has started all 49 games of her career.
In the cage, the Patriots welcome transfer
Mackenzie Duffy. The sophomore played in 16 games at Robert Morris last year, logging nearly 600 minutes. She made 76 saves, had a .396 save percentage and a goals allowed average of 11.62.
“(Duffy) comes into us with collegiate game experience, which helps a lot,” Morgan said. “We don't have to start from square one there. She's pretty solid. We return a good amount of defense. Our two best defenders return – Erin and Gina return. We still have a good amount of stopping power.”
Four freshmen will also be mixed into the fray and Morgan said the fall season provided a great opportunity for the newcomers to get comfortable playing with their new teammates, gain confidence and try new things on the field.
Fans will have a couple opportunities in the next 10 days to see the Patriots action. After Wednesday's game, Mason will return to George Mason Stadium to host Lafayette at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 5. They'll then head to the Pacific Northwest for a two-game tilt in Eugene, Ore., against Oregon and Fresno State on March 9 and 11.
“These first two games we're going to get out there and plan on beating people with our speed, fitness and strength,” Morgan said. “We're not going to get too bogged down with schemes and trying to create things. We just want to outhustle people. Then, at Oregon, everything is going to have to come together.”
