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Lacrosse Athletic Communications

Hatters Ready for Start of New Season, Host Oregon on Sunday

Stetson lacrosse opens the 2020 season when the Hatters host Oregon, Noon, Sunday at the Athletic Training Center.
 
Sixth-year head coach Christy Leach returns many of the top players from one of the ASUN Conference's most potent offenses of a year ago, including record-setting attackers Riley Reagan and Marina Rotella. The duo combined for 66 goals and 52 assists a season ago, with Regan setting a program record for points (63) and Rotella netting a school record 43 goals.
 
"We have a lot experience with our attackers," Leach said. "With Riley and Marina, Jaclyn Levy is healthy, Karli Maguire has been there, and then add in Sage-Lyn Gidzinski and Hannah Mill, and we have lots of experience in the attack. We can use them in different situations as well, plus we have a diverse group of midfielders. I see a lot of potential with that group."
 
While its understandable that players are excited for the start of the new season, perhaps no one is more excited than Leach, who missed almost the entire fall while out on maternity leave.
 
"I think it's been exciting for me because, after missing part of the fall, I couldn't wait to get back," she said. "The players seem excited, too. It's been fun to coach them and to see them try out new things, make changes, ask questions and focus on getting better and getting ready for the season."
 
An experienced roster with just five freshmen, Leach and the Hatters have spent most of the last month simply fine-tuning things.
 
"We've mostly been working on taking care of the little things," Leach said. "Our juniors and seniors have a lot of experience and that's been really important for us. They can teach the young kids how to get prepared. Our freshmen and sophomores bring a lot of energy and positivity.
 
"I think the team is ready and hungry. They're really ready to get after it. Our practices have been great. We've had maybe one down practice since we came back. We've showed great energy and excitement."
 
In order for Stetson to have success this season, not only will the offense have to at least match last season's production, the defense will have to do its part. Junior goalie Kiera McCarthy and senior defender Sarah Trupp will be the anchors in the back for the Hatters.
 
"We're still finding our way on defense," Leach said. "We bring Sarah back for her senior year and that's exciting. She's really comfortable and done a great job of helping get younger players ready for the season. Kiera in goal is great. She's improved a lot on the field, and her mental preparation has improved as well."
 
The ASUN will once again prove not only to be a tough challenge, but it's going to give the Hatters and everyone else a new look. First-year program Akron joins the league, pushing the ASUN ranks to eight schools. The top six teams qualify for the ASUN Tournament, which is being hosted this year by Kennesaw State.
 
"The league is really competitive," Leach said. "We have a new face in Akron, and Kent State is a second-year program. Kennesaw State, Coastal, Liberty, and of course Jacksonville, those are the top teams we'll be shooting for."
 
The Hatters can take their first step toward joining the ASUN elite when the season begins on Sunday.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.
 
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Karli Maguire

#4 Karli Maguire

M
5' 6"
Senior
Kiera McCarthy

#25 Kiera McCarthy

G
5' 7"
Junior
Hannah Mill

#14 Hannah Mill

A
5' 8"
Sophomore
Riley Reagan

#7 Riley Reagan

A
5' 5"
Junior
Marina Rotella

#13 Marina Rotella

A
5' 6"
Junior
Sarah Trupp

#11 Sarah Trupp

D
5' 4"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Karli Maguire

#4 Karli Maguire

5' 6"
Senior
M
Kiera McCarthy

#25 Kiera McCarthy

5' 7"
Junior
G
Hannah Mill

#14 Hannah Mill

5' 8"
Sophomore
A
Riley Reagan

#7 Riley Reagan

5' 5"
Junior
A
Marina Rotella

#13 Marina Rotella

5' 6"
Junior
A
Sarah Trupp

#11 Sarah Trupp

5' 4"
Senior
D