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Feb. 15, 2022 — NCAA Division II women’s lacrosse preview
The Fearless 5ive
INDIANAPOLIS
LEMOYNE
LINDENWOOD
ROLLINS
WEST CHESTER
Your defending national champion in Division III, Lindenwood, has been soaking up the accolades after its decades-long journey from club side to NCAA national champion.
Head coach Jack Cribbin has been at the forefront of the team’s journey from the very beginning, and one of the big parts of Lindenwood’s success has been taking care of business within conference. Indeed, since 2005, Lindenwood’s in-conference record is 94-1. The Lions are led by fifth-year seniors Lexy Biller and Bridget Consadine, as well as junior defender Alyssa Needler.
Lindenwood played three memorable games in 2021 against their Great Lakes Valley Conference rivals, the University of Indianapolis. Peyton Romig, the best female lacrosse player outside Division I, returns for a fifth season and will handle draws. She will also be counted on to mesh with a good group of newcomers for the Greyhounds. Oh, and if you were wondering, Indy plays Lindenwood in a league match on Friday, April 22nd. It should be the marquee game of the Division II season.
One of the marquee teams in Division II over the years, Rollins, could be back as a serious title contender. Rollins, like many Southern teams, played only within conference in 2021, which hurt their resumes for the NCAA Division II Tournament committee. The Tars tied with Tampa for the top of the Sunshine State Conference table, and could very well turn the committee’s snub a year ago into fuel for another run to the Final Four.
Rollins will be led by sisters Charlotte and Caroline Castonguay as well as midfielder Isabella Cecchi. Liz Fahey, who led the Tars in goals last year, also returns in what could be a very potent offense.
Another potent offense which is returning this year is Le Moyne. The Dolphins return six of their seven highest point-scorers, led by Erin McMullen (41 goals),Jessica Meneilly (39), Adrianna Nojaim (25). The team also returns veteran goalie Paige Crandall and defenders Taylor Reich and Savannah Fish.
One rebuilding offense in Division II this coming season is West Chester. The Rams were in the NCAA Tournament a year ago, but did not get past the quarterfinal round. Returning for W.C. will be 37-goal scorer Hannah Stanislawczyk and 35-goal scorer Lindsay Monigle. Claire Dennis is a veteran defender who will have to put together her defensive seven over the course of the season. Jessica Gorr and Ellie Hughes, two juniors, will be vying with St. Joseph’s transfer Amber Weedon for the goaltending duties.
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