Full Centennial Conference Release
HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College women's lacrosse team was picked to finish sixth in the Centennial Conference's annual preseason poll, the conference office announced in a release on Friday. Haverford received 44 total voting points.
Defending National Champions Gettysburg received eight on the nine first place votes while defending Centennial Conference champion and NCAA Regional Semifinalist Franklin & Marshall received the other first place tally. Muhlenberg was slated third with 62 voting points. Dickinson (55 votes) and Washington College (48 votes) are the other two squads the conference's head coaches believe are headed to the Centennial Conference tournament.
Following the Fords in the prognostication are the Bears of Ursinus (34 points), Swarthmore (23 points), McDaniel (21 points) and Bryn Mawr (9 points).
The Bullets are the nation's top ranked team in the IWLCA Preseason Poll while Franklin & Marshall is ranked seventh. Muhlenberg is receiving votes.
The Fords will begin a new era with first year Head Coach Katie Zichelli at the helm of the Fords in 2018. Zichelli comes to Haverford after spending the last three seasons as the assistant coach/associate head coach at Franklin & Marshall.
Last season, Haverford finished with an 8-8 record, marking the fifth consecutive season the team has finished at or above .500. Haverford returns four of its five leading goal scorers to the team in 2017 as the Fords welcome back Allie Gibbons and Julia Manetta, who partnered up to help lead the offensive attack in 2017.
A strong senior class will anchor the team in 2017 as All-Centennial honoree Madison Jones will again fortify the backline with fellow senior Alyssa Sherman also playing a key role. Molly Lausten and Kate Sollee will be counted upon as scoring threats on the attacking end. Haverford returns all three goalkeepers including Rachel Romens who will be back for her senior campaign between the pipes.
Haverford opens the season at Arcadia on Saturday, February 24. Opening draw is slated for noon. Live stats and video will be available via HaverfordAthletics.com