WEST CHESTER, PA – Every spring, the women's lacrosse team at West Chester carries expectations that are higher than most into a new campaign. Head coach
Ginny Martino enters her 25th season on the sidelines having built one of the most successful programs in the nation.
Why would 2023 be any different?
Martino received a jolt of exciting news in the fall when two of her top players from last season decided to use their COVID waiver and come back for a fifth year to honor their former teammate and classmate,
Julia Rossi, who passed away in November. Additionally, Martino welcomed a transfer student who is also utilizing their COVID season for one more go around.
Five Golden Rams were named to the U.S. Lacrosse Magazine Division II Preseason All-America squad while goalkeeper,
Jess Gorr (Exton, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) was the preseason goalie of the year selection. Gorr anchors an experienced defensive group, despite the loss of Rossi and fellow graduate
Claire Dennis.
Gillian Peters (Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill West),
Kendall DiCamillo (Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley) and
Katie Byrne (Wall, N.J./Wall Twp.) are back along that last line of defense before Gorr in the cage.
Cassidy Hirsch (Willow Grove, Pa./Upper Moreland) and
Courtney Medwin (Coral Springs, Fla./American Heritage) have experience in the back as well and will find their way on the field this spring.
All-Americans dot the midfield with high-scoring and electric players like
Hannah Stanislawczyk (Mohnton, Pa./Gov. Mifflin) and
Keri Barnett (Glenolden, Pa./Archbishop Carroll). Both scored over 70 goals and scooped up the majority of draw controls and ground balls. Fellow All-American
Grace Frasso (Cinnaminson, N.J./Cinnaminson) also returns as a defensive midfielder, who is a clearing specialist.
Meghan Cull (Springfield, Pa./Springfield-DELCO),
Julia Littlewood (Berwyn, Pa./Conestoga),
Alexis Smallwood (Margate City, N.J./Ocean City) and Millersville transfer
Kerry Seiler (Allentown, Pa./Salisbury) all have a plethora of experience in the midfield and will supply ample depth for the Golden Rams in a variety of ways.
Taylor O'Brien (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus) is also back as the flyer, who will help in the clear game and support the attack in the offensive end.
At attack,
Helen Kreschollek (Bethlehem, Pa./Saucon Valley) and
Lindsay Monigle (Rehoboth Beach, Del./Cape Henlopen) decided to return for another go at a national title. They will be joined by transfer
Brenna Smith (Upper Arlington, Ohio/Upper Arlington) from Florida Southern.
Meg O'Donnell (Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland) is a spark plug at attack off the bench for West Chester.
West Chester opens on the road against Shepherd Tuesday afternoon. Saturday will be the Golden Rams home opener where they will pay tribute to
Julia Rossi in a pre-game ceremony. Kreschollek, normally No. 24, will wear Rossi's No. 25 jersey at home events this season. Peters, usually No. 27, will wear the purple No. 25 in road contests.
