Women's Lacrosse Opens 2021 Season Saturday
2/26/2021 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Nearly a year ago the 2020 season was pulled out from underneath the Sacred Heart University women's lacrosse team. The Pioneers will finally get to see the field Saturday when they host LIU in a non-conference contest.
After Saturday's contest the Pioneers go on the road to face Delaware State in a game that was rescheduled from Monday. The NEC slate starts March 6 when the Pioneers travel to LIU.
Similar to last season the league coaches feel that Pioneers will finish in the middle of the pack as they were picked six in the NEC Coaches Poll. Defending champion Wagner got six first-place votes to take the top spot. The remaining three went to Mount St. Mary's who came in second. Bryant, LIU and St. Francis rounded out the top five.
Sacred Heart got six contests in last year before the season was canceled. Starting her 21st year at the helm, head coach Laura Korutz brings back three of her top four scorers
Leading the way offensively last season was junior Lydia Werlau, who topped the Pioneers with 12 goals. Classmate Grace Reinold was just two goals behind Werlau and Emma Kittredge was off to a good start to her collegiate career as she recorded 11 points, including seven goals.
On the defensive end, Elizabeth Small returns for her first year after leading the team with 17 caused turnovers. Sophomore Bella Beaton started five games last year in goal with a 10.28 goals against average. Junior Claire McElhenny will be called upon to get the offense started after winning 14 draw controls a year ago.
