Oberlin, Ohio - A year ago, the Oberlin College women's lacrosse team put together one of the best seasons in program history. It featured a conference championship game appearance, a 14-2 record and numerous all-conference and all-region recognitions.
 
While 2017 was a season to remember, all of that lies within the pages of the record books now. It is Spring 2018 and this Yeowomen lacrosse team is eager to grab another shot at the conference championship.
 
"Last year was special, but our focus is on this season," said Head Coach Lynda McCandlish. "We lost some great players due to graduation, but we still have many talented players on this team that are ready to compete."
 
Coach McCandlish's squad is known for having a high-flying offense, and with senior captains and sharpshooters Natalie Rauchle and Sydney Garvis returning, opposing defenses might feel the heat. Together, they accounted for 91 goals a season ago, a mark that not many duos can say they achieved in one season. Rauchle, who was a first-team all-region selection, led the NCAC with 4.13 goals per game and totaled 73 points on the year.
 
Luckily for the Yeowomen, their offensive firepower does not stop there. Junior Hayley Drapkin compiled 20 goals and 22 assists last spring, while 2017 NCAC Newcomer of the Year Eliza Amber netted 24 goals to go along with six assists while tying for a team-high with 46 draw controls. Junior midfielder Sabrina Deleonibus and sophomore Josephine An also provide depth upfront.
 
First-years Rania Ziar, Leah Crowther, Ali Wessel, Tess Siciliano, and Kyra Aviles the mix and will be key on both sides of the midline.
 
"I like our attacking front and believe we should be able to score a lot of goals again this season," McCandlish said. "Having players at the top like Nat and Syd is certainly a great luxury to have."
 
Defensively, Oberlin welcomes back junior Sydney Allen (13 ground balls, 8 caused turnovers in 2017) and sophomore Emily Berner (39 ground balls, 8 caused turnovers in 2017). Along with a host of first-years, sophomore Emma Weiss will contribute to what has traditionally been a stingy Oberlin defense.
 
Anchoring the Yeowomen in net had been the job of multi-time NCAC Defensive Player of the Year Alexa L'Insalata, but junior Siena Marcelle is up for the challenge. She helped jumpstart the Yeowomen to early success last year, leading one to believe that she is just the person for the job coming into the season. In nine games last year, Marcelle compiled a .487 save percentage and a 3.90 GAA. Joining Marcelle in the crease is freshman goalie Maranda Phillips.
 
"We have all of the confidence in the world in Siena," McCandlish added. "When she got her opportunities last year she proved to everyone how good she can be and I expect her to continue to improve with every chance she gets."
 
The Yeowomen open their 2018 season with a non-conference matchup as Baldwin Wallace University invades Bailey Field at the Austin E. Knowlton Athletics Complex on February 28th at 6:00 PM. Oberlin opens NCAC on March 24 as it plays host to Wittenberg.