GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Kicking off their seventh season as a member of the GLIAC, the Davenport University women's lacrosse team is gearing up for a new chapter.
Led by head coach Haley Schmuker for the second-straight year, the Panthers prepare to bounce back from a trivial 2023 season that finished 2-15 overall (0-6 GLIAC).
Junior midfielder Blakely Malpass was named First Team All-GLIAC in 2023 as the leading goal scorer (38) and shot taker (68) for DU, stepping up in the absence of Maddy Haynes, Haynes suffering a season-ending injury. Theadora Krueger led the Panthers for caused turnovers (21) and groundballs (38) as a Second Team All-GLIAC honoree.
The Panthers are ready to embark on their five-game road trip in matchups against Thomas Moore and the University of Charleston.
Thomas More Matchup
One of two of DU's wins last year came against the Saints on Senior Day (20-5), the first-ever matchup in program history.
Thomas More closed 2023 with a 6-10 record (program best) without seeing any league play as a former member of the NAIA. This year will be the Saints' first-ever season as a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) and the NCAA Division II. Thomas More is one of three teams merging with the GMAC this year and was selected No. 5 in the conference's preseason poll.
Pat Thatcher enters his third season as the head coach with a record of 10-23 overall. Sophomore Meg Pierani tallied a team-high 63 points with 40 goals scored, with seniors Madi Carle (70 ground balls, 55 caused turnovers) and Kendra Yurt (99 draw controls) returning for another season.
Charleston Matchup
Opening 2023 with three straight losses, Charleston found their stride and finished the season 8-10 overall to place third in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) with a 7-3 conference record.Â
Gianni Blundell and Madison Partridge return after receiving All-MEC honors as the top leaders for Charleston in 2023. Blundell received All-MEC First Team with 26 goals and 37 assists, and Partridge led her squad with the most goals scored (47). The Golden Eagles welcome first-year head coach Ryland Luciano, as well.Â
Feb. 18 is the first-ever meeting between the programs as the Panthers and Golden Eagles prepare to take the first game.
Live Coverage
Friday, Feb. 16 at Thomas More (5 PM) - Live Video (Great Midwest Network) -
Live Stats
Sunday, Feb. 18 at Charleston (3 PM) - Live Video (MEC TV) -
Live Stats
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