Women's Lacrosse | 2/13/2025 11:00:00 AM

Oberlin, Ohio – After handing over the reins of the Oberlin College women's lacrosse team to Malory Nadrah in the offseason, the Crimson and Gold have their sights set on greater horizons for their 2025 campaign.
 
Nadrah, who joined Oberlin in June, comes to Northeast Ohio after spending the past six seasons at Marietta College. Nadrah started the Pioneers' program and mentored a plethora of Ohio Athletic Conference selections and secured a pair of berths to the OAC Tournament.
 
Looking ahead to her first season with the Crimson and Gold, Nadrah says, "I was extremely lucky to inherit an incredibly talented, dedicated team. We have worked hard together this off season to build a fresh, new perspective on what we can achieve and how we are going to get there."
 
The Yeowomen return 17 athletes, and welcome six newcomers to the squad. "I am very fortunate to have an incredible group of first years." Nadrah continues, "All six of our newcomers will play major roles within our team."
 
Kylie Thompson and Sophie Ward are expected to make waves in the North Coast this season. Thompson's vision behind cage will pair well with Ward's ability to weave through her defense, lending to a dangerous rookie duo on attack. On the other end of the field, don't be surprised when Rachel Reiter and Charlotte Marshall scramble their offense as agents of chaos for the Crimson and Gold defense. Where the two ends meet, dual-sport athlete Mary Rodman and Madeline Darlington are slated to play elevated roles in Oberlin's midfield.
 
Among the returning class are seniors Alexis Escobedo and Izzy Sunday. While Sunday looks to make a statement in her return from injury last season, Escobedo has taken on a leadership position in the locker room and will steer Oberlin's midfield. Also putting on a captain's hat is junior Olivia Corradi. Corradi led the team draw controls (40) last season and will find herself playing off the draw and both ends of the field once again.
 
"She [Corradi] is an outstanding defender who has worked hard this off season to elevate her attack, I really think this is her year to shine for us on the attacking end."
 
Megan Hiller and Larissa Andrick will see a more attack focused role, in addition to Lauren Deardorf who rejoins the team after a semester abroad. Phoebe Dolan, Elle Lavin, and Alexandra Bernal, will headline a rotating unit of talented midfielders, and will bring a depth of endurance to the heart of the team.
 
"As a sophomore, Phoebe plays like a senior, I think she is also set to have a breakout year in scoring and also the draw."
 
Defensively, Oberlin will look to Maddie Weathers and Giuliana Urban for guidance, "Maddie and Giuliana are two of many talented defenders for us. They bring leadership and terrific one-on-one defense to our team". Olivia Mohel and Mya Valdez will pair with the junior defenders to form a impenetrable unit.
 
In cage, the Crimson and Gold boast a three-headed beast in veterans Janny McCormick, Emily Berger, and Taryn Schwartz. McCormick, who joins the Yeowomen this spring after a fantastic field hockey season in the fall, will look to vie for time alongside the two young bucks. Berger and Schwartz, both second-year goalies, come off monumental fall seasons and will disrupt the NCAC's leading scorers.
 
Assistant Head Coach and Goalie Specialist, Mike Petrella says of his team, "I am very happy with our goalie unit this season. They complement each other's skills and are competitors in every way. It will be a fierce battle for playing time in the net, but it will be fun to watch and to coach."
 
Of the greater expectations for the season, Petrella adds, "With our mix of experienced returners and players getting their first chance to see the field, I am excited to see what this team can do. The seniors and juniors are leading the team and showing the sophomores and freshmen how to have fun and enjoy every opportunity to be on the field whether in practice or in games." Petrella continues, "I expect several breakthrough players this season. I expect the team to be more competitive, but more importantly to enjoy the experience."
 
The Yeowomen will kick off the season on the road, heading to Lexington, KY on Saturday, February 15, to face the Transylvania Pioneers. The reigning Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Champs went 1-3 against NCAC opponents last season, beating only Wittenberg, 14-8. Oberlin will next welcome the Polar Bears of Ohio Northern on Wednesday, February 19 for their home opener.
 
Playing familiar faces beyond the North Coast Athletic Conference, Nadrah and Co. take on six teams they faced last season. Rematches against Baldwin Wallace, Hope, Mount Union, John Carroll, Otterbein, and Allegheny make up the thick of the non-conference schedule, capped by a Spring Break Trip to California. In the Golden State, the Crimson and Gold take on Chapman and Occidental; two programs that finished well above .500 last season.
 
As a final note ahead of the team's debut, Nadrah states, "I am excited to carry [our preseason] momentum into our first season together and enjoy the process of working as hard as we can to bring this program success."
 
Oberlin takes their first draw of the 2025 season this Saturday, February 15 in a road trip to Kentucky. Hosted by Transylvania, the Yeowomen are set to begin their season at 11 a.m.
 
Fans can keep up with their favorite teams on Instagram, Facebook, X, or TikTok, and watch all the home matches live online. The Crimson and Gold's home broadcasts can be accessed on TV through the official Oberlin College Sports Network app on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.