The Hopkins women’s lacrosse team has enjoyed their season since moving to D-I in 1999.
“Everyone is all in,” senior goalie and captain KC Emerson said. “We don’t want anyone showing up to practice and only giving half their effort.”
This mentality has shown as of late, with the Lady Jays ripping off nine straight wins until a setback against undefeated No. 1 Maryland. In addition, the Jays’ defense ranks sixth in the nation in goals per game.
“Our defense has been really strong in each game,” freshman Emily Kenul said. Senior Octavia Williams, junior Kirsti Paavola, sophomore Nevi Fernandez and junior Josie George have started every single game on the back line for the Jays.
After losing two of their first four games and allowing nine goals against Boston College and 12 against Loyola, the Jays have rebounded to allow no more than nine in any game until a 17-goal showing against cross-state rival Maryland.
The other side of the ball has not missed a beat, either.
“I don’t feel like there is any disconnect between the different sides of the field,” Emerson said.
On the offense, the Jays have used a balanced attack to outscore opponents. Nine different players have reached double digits in goals, with junior Dene’ DiMartino leading the way with 30. This year, Coach Janine Tucker’s squad has had freshmen making goals with CeCe Finney, Emily Kenul and Shannon Fitzgerald socring 20, 18 and 12 goals, respectively.
“It’s a huge benefit to have our freshmen stepping up, putting up a bunch of assists and goals” Emerson said.
Kenul, known as one of the more talented freshmen in the country, is second on the team in points (37), behind only DiMartino (44). She has continued to deliver huge goals and consistent play to contribute to a strong offense.
However, the offense still full of upperclassman contributors. Besides DiMartino, sophomore midfielder Haley Schweizer, junior midfielder Kristen Cannon and senior attacker Jen Cook have enjoyed solid campaigns.
The mood at practice has been relatively mellow and low-key for the Jays.
“I think it’s easy for a team to feel like the season is dragging at this point or can’t wait for it to be over,” captain DiMartino said. “But that’s not us, and it has never been us.”
The Jays consider the season up until this point to be a success, but with the end of the season in sight, the expectations at Homewood continue to grow with the continuing strong play we have seen this season.
“Every girl on our team wants to make sure the season keeps going,” Emerson said.
The Jays still must qualify for the NCAA Tournament, which they’ve only done four times in the 16-year history of D-I competition. But there is plenty of fire and passion burning to get them there.
DiMartino put it best: “We are hungry.”
