Lacrosse seeks postseason berth in second season
After a 6-10 campaign in its inaugural season, the Central Michigan lacrosse team is looking to qualify for the postseason after failing to do so last year.
The team will open the season 3 p.m. Thursday against Saint Francis in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
The Chippewas will take on Robert Morris Saturday before returning home to face Marquette on Thursday, Feb. 23 for the Chippewas home opener.
Head coach Sara Tisdale is entering her second season at the helm.
“We look to build on the style of play we’ve already established for our program,” Tisdale said. “We look to get out and run a lot in transition and hopefully it will be an exciting season for our players and our fans to participate in as well.”
Several keys players return for CMU in 2017, including four of their top five scorers from 2016. Three of the four consist a trio of sophomore midfielders from Minnesota.
Last year’s leading scorer Jocelyne Lemay also returns for the Chippewas. The Peterborough, Ontario, native scored 35 goals and added five assists for 40 points last season.
“I’m expecting to win a championship this year to be honest,” Lemay said. “Our team is very skilled and capable of making it to the championship.”
Lemay was named to the 2016 Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshmen team and was also named to the All-ASUN second team. In addition to her accomplishments last year, Lemay was voted by the fans as the 2017 ASUN Preseason Player of the Year.
“It’s an honor to be named that, but I don’t think it changes my idea of the season.” Lemay said. “I still have to go out, work as hard as I can and play my game.”
Minnesota sophomores Logan Halvorson and Anna Schoonover were also named to the 2016 ASUN All-Freshmen team.
Halvorson notched 20 points last season while Schoonover tied with fellow-Minnesota native Riley Huda for third on the team with 30 points. In addition to being named to the All-Freshmen team, Schoonover was also named to the 2017 ASUN Preseason watch list.
Newcomers
The Chippewas' roster comprise 13 freshmen led by midfielder and Ontario native Tyra Prince.
Prince attended Everest Academy where she served as team captain and was a 2015 National Women’s Lacrosse Combine all-star. Prince was also named to the ASUN Preseason watchlist for this season.
“It’s exciting but I have to focus on playing my game,” Prince said. “I was given that honor because I didn’t think about it and just played my game. A lot of our freshmen are very influential on our team so I’m excited for what we will bring.”
After beginning the season with seven non-conference games, the Chippewas will open conference play March 24 against Mercer at the Lacrosse/Soccer Complex.
If the Chippewas qualify for the conference tournament, they will travel to Jacksonville, Florida, May 4-7.
