Al’s Fearless 6ix
Assumption
Bloomsburg
East Stroudsburg
St. Anselm
Shippensburg
West Chester
Whereas we’re additionally increasing our standard fearless preview to 6 groups in Division II, we equally see one overarching challenge inside this division. The query is whether or not, for a second yr operating, one other non-Pennsylvania Division II group will win the nationwide closing.
That’s as a result of faculty groups from the Keystone State have gained the Division II championship 27 occasions since nationwide championships had been established in 1981. Final yr’s was a considerably odd yr, with St. Anselm profitable the title at a bunch website, Limestone, which closed its doorways for good in late spring.
Saint Anselm can have quite a bit to do to win a second straight championship, for the reason that group graduates its main scorers in Maddie Davis and Amanda Lewandowski. Junior Meghan Smith, who had just one begin final yr, is the group’s main turning scorer (seven targets). If there are a few first-years to look at, it’s Breanna Shorey from Belfast (Maine) and Ayla Lagasse from Biddeford (Maine). Each are expert gamers who know learn how to discover the aim cage.
Boosting the probabilities of West Chester this season are three incoming Division I transfers — Lana Hughes from Fairfield, Erin O’Donnell from James Madison, and Ciara Margetich, who recorded a aim and an help for St. Joseph’s final yr, together with enjoying a number of minutes within the nationwide semifinal win over North Carolina.
The PSAC must be led this yr by Shippensburg. Ahead Agus Garibaldi had 18 targets and 10 assists a yr in the past, main the group. The Raiders have a wonderful group of gamers from quite a few one of the best scholastic packages, in addition to a handful of transfers. However search for Garibaldi and Carme Caracotche Picone, each natives of Argentina, to hold the load.
To not be outdone, Bloomsburg is about for a return to the highest of the PSAC heap. The Huskies will likely be led by senior ahead Kate Ferguson and junior ahead Genna Bush. The group goes to need to rebuild the protection with the commencement of fullback Meg Barnard.
One of many key components of East Stroudsburg‘s play over the previous few years has been its overseas gamers. Minke Klijn of The Netherlands was the group’s main goal-scorer a yr in the past, and she or he returns to the entrance line. She is one in every of six offshore gamers on the roster this coming season. The group additionally has an attention-grabbing dynamic within the aim cage. Sydney Pope and Jet Vermeulen platooned within the aim final yr, splitting time because the Warriors made the Ultimate 4.
Assumption can be going to get loads of minutes from three overseas gamers. Nevertheless, the 2 main scorers for the Greyhounds are Individuals: Elle Murray (12 targets) and Julia Carbone (10). Paige Gillette, who performed each minute within the aim cage final yr, is taking a graduate yr and rejoining the aspect.
