KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown women's lacrosse had a season for the record books in 2023. KU had one of, if not its best season in program history last year and looks to accomplish more in 2024. And that mission begins Thursday, Feb. 29, with the home and season opener against fellow nationally-ranked foe Seton Hill.
In one of the biggest single season turnarounds in program history, the Golden Bears had a record-tying 13 wins (finished 13-6), their first-ever IWLCA national ranking and first-ever NCAA Division II Championship tournament appearance. Kutztown also clinched its first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship berth in the conference tournament era, finishing 9-3 in the PSAC and defeating No. 15 East Stroudsburg 12-9 in the quarterfinal round. It was the second victory in-a-row over the Warriors, as they also won the regular season finale, 16-14, on Apr. 29, for the program's first win over a nationally ranked opponent since the lacrosse program returned to varsity status in 2008.
The Maroon and Gold ended 2023 18th nationally in the poll. Its nine-win improvement over 2022 was tied for the biggest increase in wins in program history. Kutztown enters this season ranked 19th in the country and was picked third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division, behind West Chester and East Stroudsburg at one and two, respectively. The Golden Bears have games against ranked teams in West Chester (3), East Stroudsburg (8) and Tampa (4), after the opener with the Griffins (20).
"Looking ahead to the 2024 season, we're eager and focused on pushing our standards to the next level," said Nicholson. "Last year was a great experience, but we're looking to use it as a springboard to reach our potential in 2024. We were fortunate to return the majority of our roster while adding a tremendous amount of talent with our freshmen class. We're excited to see the impact this new team will make in 2024."
Kutztown and Seton Hill last met in the PSAC semifinal round last season with the Griffins coming away with a 9-7 victory.
Six players were named to All-PSAC Eastern Division teams, the program's most since 1982 (eight), including
Cyrose Conteh (Elizabethtown, Pa./Elizabethtown),
Lailah ElBouazzaoui (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan),
Sam Graf (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills) and
Emma Meakim (Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland) on the First Team, and
Shannon Lake (Medford, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford) and
Robin Spector (Northfield, N.J./Mainland Regional) on the Second Team. A single season record five players received IWLCA All-Atlantic Region honors, while Graf and Meakim captured IWLCA All-America Third Team recognition. All six are back in 2024.
The Golden Bear defense will once again be backed by the goalie duo of
Jenna Blesson (Sparta, N.J./Lenape Valley Regional) and
Marisa Bragg (Ringoes, N.J./Hunterdon Central).
Katie Yocum (Hanover, Pa./South Western),
Kayla Brooks (Mountville, Pa./Hempfield) and
Summer Davis (Beach Haven, N.J./Southern Regional) all played in all 19 games, while
Olivia Eilbacher (Cherry Hill, N.J./Camden Catholic),
Sammy Ruwet (Swedesboro, N.J./Kingsway Regional),
Emily Christiansen (Ledgewood, N.J./Roxbury) and
Rowan Hall (Sloatsburg, N.Y./Suffern) played in at least 15 games.
The PSAC East opener is set for Wednesday, March 20, at 3 p.m., against Shippensburg. Senior Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, against Millersville at 12 p.m.
