BOSTON, Mass. - The Simmons College women's lacrosse team has just cause for feeling good about the upcoming 2015 campaign. The Sharks return their top four scorers and nine starters from a year ago, including one of the top goalies in the conference.

Simmons was picked fifth in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Pre-Season Coaches Poll, but expecations are healthy to challenge for more. The team returns 96% of its goal scoring from 2014 in addition to a solid midfield that should be strong on both sides of the field. With such a strong veteran presence in the offense, the squad's newcomers should be able to blend in without a problem.

ATTACK

Senior Tri-Captain Stephanie Oliveri (Waltham, Mass.) leads a potent attack up front for the Sharks after racking up 60 points in 14 matches to earn a spot on the Great Northeast Athletic Conference First Team. She proved to be one of the most balanced offensive players in the league, scoring 38 goals, while dishing to a teammate for 22 others. She made the most of a lethal shot, scoring on 55.9% of her chances to lead the squad and rank fourth among league leaders. She has the ability to set up her teammates from anywhere in the offensive zone and is not afraid to make the tough pass. Classmate Ali Stonehouse (Dublin, N.H.) tallied 13 points, including 12 goals in 14 starts. The attacker is a very good distributor and will look to increase her assist total this season. She's also a candidate to challenge her opponents on a clear, causing 10 turnovers last year. Alexa Faria (Cumberland, R.I.) returns to the fold for her second season. The junior rung up seven points on six goals and an assist in her first season of college lacrosse last year, while picking up nine ground balls. She's very good at snaring the ball out of the air and challenging with a sneaky attack at the net. 

First year attackers Jolene Potter (Readfield, Maine) and Chyenne Yeager (Indiana, Pa.) will add depth to the offense in their respective rookie campaigns. Potter brings great energy to the attack with a drive to become better every day and could be a solid offensive contributor for Simmons, while Yeager is making the switch from the goalie spot to the offense. She's a hard worker with a great attitude and has already greatly improved her conditioning. She will look for time on the offense, but could also chip in on the defensive side of the ball.

MIDFIELD

The Sharks midfield should be a difference-maker on both sides of the field in 2015 with a combination of experienced returners and impact newcomers. 

Junior Greer Gilbert (Falmouth, Mass.) was on the receiving end of many of Oliveri's feeds, directing 50 shots into the back of the net to lead the squad and place fifth among GNAC goal scorers. The First Team All-Conference selection proved to be an immediate threat off the draw, using her uncanny stick skills to corral a team-high 54 draws, followed by her blinding speed to crash the crease and create scoring opportunities. Gilbert was effective on the defensive end of her zone, causing 28 turnovers on the Simmons side of the field, while picking up 54 ground balls. She also converted 10 free position shots for goals. Junior Ashley Sheehan (North Attleboro, Mass.) is the other part of the team's outstanding draw combination at center midfield. The third-year veteran will take the majority of the draws for the Sharks, but also be a main cog in the squad's offense. She racked up 42 points, including 36 goals a year ago to go with 33 draw controls, utilizing excellent speed and endurance. Sheehan also has a knack for threading the long pass, getting credit for six assists. Joining the duo in the offensive midfield is first year Kiera Kirkaldy (Middlebury, Vt.). The rookie comes from a formidable high school program and boasts outstanding all-around skills with the ability to catch and throw at a high level in addition to excellent stick skills. She will also be in the mix to take draws.

Alexia Malone Oliver (Bristol, R.I.) was named a Captain prior to the season and should see most of her time in the defensive midfield. She proved valuable in the offense last year with 22 points, including 20 markers, but her high endurance threshold makes her valuable commodity in the defensive zone as well. She picked up 31 ground balls last year, while causing 13 turnovers in 14 starts. She has excellent catching and throwing skills and should be a key to the team's effort on the clear and transition offense. First year Kasey Fries (Bridgewater, Mass.) has excellent instincts for the game and a knack for picking up ground balls. She's an excellent midfielder, who should have a strong rookie season in the defensive midfield for Simmons. Sophomore Sara Rademacher (North Haven, Conn.) will vie for consistent playing time, while serving as a presence in the circle for draw controls. The second year player as tremendous stick skills and maneuvers in and out of defenders very well to fuel a sneaky offensive attack. She started 10 of 13 contests last year as a rookie, while striking for four scores.

DEFENSE

Senior Symonne Fontenot (Portsmouth, N.H.) anchors the defense for the Sharks. The defender has started all 45 matches during her career and is the undisputed leader on the defense outside of the crease. She's very vocal and is a strong defender, who's ability to direct her linemates will serve the team well. Flanking Fontenot in the lower defense will be a pair of newcomers. Carolyn VanAtta (Standish, Maine) communicates well and will help to organize the defense. Despite entering her first year of collegiate action, the rookie is poised and has no fear of going after the ball. Gabrielle Klane (Franklin, Mass.) is a tough player, who got a taste of what college competition is like as a member of the Simmons soccer team in the Fall. She's a tough player, who will look to make an impact in causing turnovers and coming up with interceptions in the defensive zone.

GOALKEEPER

Senior goalie Crystal Derosier (Kingston, Mass.) is the last line of defense for the squad, which is just fine with Simmons. The Tri-Captain ranked third among league leaders with a .481 save percentage last season, while playing every second for the Sharks, logging 846:56 minutes. She is a vocal leader, who challenges her teammates and is primed for the best year of her career. The team's young defense should benefit from Derosier giving them direction from her line.