In two years under Southwestern head women's lacrosse coach Kaitlyn Hafdell, the Pirates have set stable foundations with two winning seasons and a 10-8 record. 

With a roster that returns every player from the previous season, including seven All-SCAC players, and a bevy of promising new additions, this marks the season Hafdell and new assistant coach Jordan Baack can start building upon those foundations. 

"This season is all about picking up where we left off and continuing to improve game after game," Hafdell says. "It's nice to enter a year already knowing what our strengths are and what needs to be improved on. We're all growing together as a team."

Southwestern has three seniors headlined by Raven Garcia, who led the team in points with 57, scoring 40 goals and team-high 17 assists. At 4-foot-11, Garcia is usually the shortest player to enter a scrum in front of the net. She's also the most dangerous with the ability to go on insane scoring binges, setting Southwestern records for most goals (10) and points (15) in a game last season."

"People underestimate her because of her size, but she's a shifty athlete who can maneuver in a crowd. She'll get around you," Hafdell explains. "She has a great lacrosse IQ where she understands the movement of the game. She knows when to cut, when to drive, when to pass, and when to set up her teammates." 

The Pirates feature a junior-heavy roster, returning six players who've been here from the beginning of Hafdell's tenure, and transfer Caden Laflamme-Szakonyi. Among the juniors is a potent trio of midfielders in Deanna Hames, the team's leading scorer, SCAC Midfielder of the Year Emma Pertuit, and SCAC Defensive Player of the Year Brooke Folliard. 

Those three helped Southwestern to a possession advantage nearly every game, finishing ninth in the nation in draw controls per game (17.18) and 15th in ground balls per game (25.82). Pertuit is at the center of it all, finishing third in the nation in draw controls per game (9.73) and fourth in ground balls per game (7.45). 

"Emma is a threat all over the field. Not only is she an asset on the attacking end and a force to be reckoned with on defense, but she has the stamina to go full speed the entire game," Hafdell says. "Even when she's tired, she doesn't want to stop. You almost have to force her to take a substitution."

Folliard anchors the defense as the team captain, leading a team that averaged 9.33 caused turnovers and 24.67 ground balls per game, with the latter being the fourth-highest single-season total in SCAC history. Hames was 30th in the nation in free-position percentage (30) and led Southwestern with 41 goals. 

"DeAnna is an overlooked threat in the midfield. She's fast in transition and has a powerful shot. She's going to come out faster, stronger, and smarter this season," Hafdell says. "Brooke is an amazing team captain who leads by example and really understands our defensive strategy. She's smart with the off-ball movement and reads the opponent's next step."

Southwestern has received recognition for its top-end talent and now just needs to fill out its depth to compete against programs like defending the SCAC Champion Colorado College Tigers. 

Natasha Perez-Krause, Raquel Kurth, and Skye George as All-SCAC selections, while Hames and Liana Collins earned honorable mentions. Southwestern also returns goalies Tessa Lewis and Sofia Valdespino, who will continue to take turns in the net at the goalkeeper. 

"I think we're better than last year. I'm excited to have the same group of girls back, along with talented new additions. We have some freshmen that will add some extra spice to our midfield line," Hafdell Says. "Sierra Rupp and Kate Vlasek can play offense and defense with stamina, speed, and skill. They are very coachable and have quickly adapted to our style. Right now, it's just figuring out where they fit best, but it's a great problem to have for a coach."

Southwestern opens its season on Friday, Feb. 18, against Berry.