BOSTON, Mass. -- After a trip to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference semifinals for the first time in School history last spring, Simmons Lacrosse is looking to pick up where they left off, with one goal in mind; winning the 2013 GNAC championship.
With fifteen Sharks returning to the field including, defensive standouts Seneca Martensson (East Longmeadow, Mass.) and Symonne Fontenot (Portsmouth, N.H.), offensive threats Rachel Wallace (Braintree, Mass.) and Stephanie Oliveri (Waltham, Mass.), midfield anchor Megan Coffey (Wilmot Flat, N.H.) and senior goalkeeper Kelly Last (West Haven, Conn.), the Sharks are in a great place with a lot of motivation and drive to be competitive atop the GNAC.
Joining the Sharks this season are seven new faces, including Ashley Sheehan (North Attleboro, Mass.), Greer Gilbert (Falmouth, Mass.) and Hannah McGoldrick (Newton, Mass.) at midfield and Alexia Malone Oliver (Bristol, R.I.) at defense. "Our freshman have a lot of talent and are driving their teammates to be better every day," said Head Coach Amanda Maxwell.
Although the end goal is to be competitive in playoffs again this season, the Sharks recognize the need to focus on one game at a time and to play lacrosse at a high and consistent level. The Sharks three captains, Megan Coffey, Kelly Last and Seneca Martensson are dedicated and committed to doing whatever it takes for the team to achieve the goal of winning the GNAC championship. "Between the seniority, leadership, talent and new sharks to the team, I truly expect greatness every time we step on the field," said Coach Maxwell.
Earlier this week, the GNAC announced its 2013 Lacrosse pre-season poll where the Sharks were ranked fourth behind defending GNAC champion Norwich University, Lasell College and Boston neighbor Emerson College. Even as the underdog, the Sharks have a motivated group of 15 returners who are pushing the team of 22 to be the best they can possibly be.
The Sharks open their 2013 season on March 5th at Salve Regina at 6:00 p.m.