The Kent State women’s lacrosse team is on a mission to exceed expectations from the previous season, according to coach Brianne Tierney. Last season, the Flashes were projected to finish third but went 10-8 overall and ended 7-1 in the Mid-American Conference, tying for first with Robert Morris University.
The Flashes prevailed on the road, maintaining a 6-2 record away from home. This marked the only season where the team finished above .500.
Senior attacker Jackie Wolford made All-MAC first team last season. She set a tie for team record in goals (69) and scored 82 points. Junior attacker Allie Lee received honors for All-MAC first team, accumulating 22 goals for 31 points while appearing in 13 games. The team is in its sixth year as a program, and Tierney has been here since the beginning.
“From an expectation standpoint, we expect to work hard, we expect to play hard, we expect to put our best foot forward,” Tierney said. “I think we just expect to continue to grow as a program and then make strides forward and potential steps back.”
The Flashes defeated rival Robert Morris University on the road 13-10 last season. The team was 0-6 all time against them.
“I’m thrilled. I think it was kind of a benchmark for the program last season. It was a statement win for us,” Tierney said.
The team could not hang on for long, though, losing 13-12 at home. The Flashes will play a rematch March 23 at home.
Kent State will be face new opponents this season, such as George Mason University, Bucknell University and Colorado Boulder.
“The whole season is facing off against teams that we know nothing about,” Tierney said. “In a lot of ways, it’ll be an exciting year for that.”
The team is composed of 41% freshmen, with five seniors leading the squad. In back to back years, 12 upperclassmen will direct the group.
“We have a really young team and some very important returners that can lead those 14 freshmen, but you’ll see some young blood on the field. Probably all season long,” Tierney said. “Our senior class is really strong.”
Kent State will open its season in Columbus for its first game away at Ohio State at 1 p.m. Feb. 11.
The Flashes will return for the home opener against George Mason on Saturday at 1 p.m., Feb. 17 at Dix Stadium.
Jack Parrino is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
