MOUNT VERNON - Cornell's women's lacrosse team opens its season on February 17 against William Penn in West Des Moines. Eighth-year coach Meredith Meier doesn't seem concerned about the tough 2023 schedule.
"It's going to be a fight this year," Meier said. "But I feel more than ready with the group of girls that I have now. We are a one-game-at-a-time type of team, so I think we are more than ready for the challenge."
The Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference has Cornell ranked fourth in the Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Rams finished with 34 points, just behind Northwestern College (36), defending champions Hamline (39), and Lake Forest (49).
The team lost six seniors last year while gaining the same number in newcomers. When asked about how she feels about the team this year, Meier said.
"This by far the youngest team I have coached in my career at Cornell," Meier said. "but skill-wise, we are definitely where we need to be as a team."
With the 2022 season ending with the Rams just one game out of the MWLC Tournament, Meier is excited for the new year to come, especially with this group of girls.
"I'm excited to see how the ladies progress throughout the year and watch how everything will come together to lead to a championship." Meier said.
The 2022 campaign saw the Rams ranked second in the nation in ground balls per game (30.93) and 50th in the nation in scoring defense (9.00). Junior India Smith, an All-MWLC defender, ranked 19th nationally in ground balls (4.60) and ranked second on Cornell's all-time season list with 69 ground balls.
With much success on the defensive end, Meier hopes the same this year for the offense. "We are looking to become more offensive minded to get to the level where our defense is at this moment."
The Rams returned two of their top three scorers in junior Anna Methe and sophomore Cece Zanoni, who each had 30 points. Methe led the team with 47 draw controls.
Sophomore goalkeeper Kathyn Andries recorded 42 saves in 13 games.
The Rams finished 6-9 overall, 1-4 in the MWLC. The home opener is Feb. 25 against Beloit. Cornell starts MWLC play April 1 against Augsburg. The MWLC Tournament is May 3-6.
