Philadelphia, Pa. - (3/4/2018) – There is much to prove for the Chestnut Hill College women's lacrosse team, who ushers in a new chapter after the hire of Head Coach Kate Scattergood and the departure of a six-woman senior class that included All-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Second Team selection Jacklyn O'Leary '17, CACC assist-leader Samantha Herron '17, and four-year starting goalkeeper Katie Joe Lang '17. "They lost a good group of seniors especially on attack and the draw, but we have the players to fill the void," said Coach Scattergood. "We have strong senior leadership. I know that players with step up. We will compete hard in every game and put ourselves in position to qualify for the playoffs."

 

Chestnut Hill College, who finished 2017 with a 7-11 overall mark, a 6-3 league standing, and an appearance in the CACC Semifinals, garnered two first-place votes and ranked fourth (74 points) in the recently released 2018 CACC Women's Lacrosse Coaches Preseason Poll. Leading the Griffins' return to postseason will be senior captains Julia Galantich (Clinton Corners, N.Y.), Erica McLaughlin (Magnolia, N.J.), and Gillian Wixted (Bensalem, Pa.). Galantich headlines the attack unit after garnering the team's 2017 Coach's Award on the merit of a 58-point season that included career-high in both goals (28) and assists (30). Coach Scattergood expects her to play a big role, and will rely on both her and McLaughlin to motivate their teammates. McLaughlin is a strong two-way who offered 13 points (12 goals and one assist), 21 ground balls, eight draws, and a team-high 15 caused turnovers to the Griffins' 2017 campaign. Wixted is charged with leading a defensive unit comprised of sophomores and juniors whose performance is essential to the Griffins' future success. Like Galantich and McLaughlin, Wixted started in all 18 games in 2017, grabbing 20 ground balls and six draw controls, while causing nine turnovers and providing an assist.
 
Galantich is joined on the attack by junior Rita Lynn Trainer (Conshohocken, Pa.), and sophomores Haley Norwillo (Duryea, Pa.), Dai Pearson (Pottstown, Pa.), and Patty Riedlova (Philadelphia, Pa.). Coach Scattergood believes Trainer is ready to take on a larger role, showing solid preseason development after a sophomore season produced three goals, two ground balls, and two caused turnovers.

"Along with Galantich, the midfield unit will be the strength of our team," noted Coach Scattergood. In addition to McLaughlin, the Scarlet and Gold midfield features junior Julia Reinert (Bridgeport, Pa.) and senior Hunter Leckonby (Charleston, S.C.). Reinert was a key component last year, leading Chestnut Hill College with a career-high 45 goals (54 points) and displayed great two-way play with 20 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers. A versatile player, Coach Scattergood has been impressed by her attack skills and has entertained the thought of using her in the defensive unit as well. Similarly, the multi-talented Leckonby will continue to influence both sides of the field. Leckonby was an All-CACC Second Team performer in 2016 and the 2015 CACC Rookie of the Year; she finished 2017 with 27 goals, three assists, 19 ground balls, 33 draws, and nine caused turnovers. The midfield ranks also includes two sophomores, Spencer Fitzgerald (Huntingtown, Md.) and Mary Kroppe (Wyomissing, Pa.). Fitzgerald had a strong first year with 33 points (27 goals, 6 assists), 27 ground balls, 18 draws, and 10 caused turnovers.
 
Wixted defensive cohorts include juniors Kayla Czernik (Aston, Pa.), Kaitlin Iavecchia (Philadelphia, Pa.), Kaley Malampy (Ridley Park, Pa.), and Macailagh Smith (Red Bank, N.J.), as well as, sophomores Rachel Daniels (Bear, Del.) and Alexandra McCown (Scarborough, Maine). Coach Scattergood will invest much into the development of this unit, which is looking for continued improvement from all parties. Malampy quietly offered 32 ground balls and 13 caused turnovers in 17 (18 games played), 2017 starts.
 
In goal, junior Valeria Amaya (Oakland, Calif.) takes over for Lang, who finished her collegiate career as the program's all-time leader in saves (582). Amaya made two starts (4 games played) in 2017 will be challenged for playing time in 2018 by freshman Shenna Grady (West Chester, Pa.).
 
"Some ladies have not seen too much field time," admits Coach Scattergood. "But we will need everyone to expand their role and improve their play." She continued, "It's been an exciting preseason, the team is working hard to learn new systems and implement them on the field. We are looking forward to a great team effort."
 
The Chestnut Hill College women's lacrosse season opens their season on Monday, March 5, at Chowan University. The contest is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. start.