FREELAND, Mich. -- The Trine women's lacrosse team was picked to finish eighth in the MIAA in the conference's preseason poll, the league announced today.
The Thunder received votes totaling 16 points in the poll. The poll is voted on by the conference's coaches, who cannot vote for their own team. Trine will begin a new era as the team embarks on its first season under head coach Madeline Dugan, who took over the program after serving as an assistant coach at Adrian.
Five returners will be counted on to lead the roster, including co-leading goal scorers Anne Mammel (Tecumseh, Mich. / Tecumseh) and Rebecca Plantz (DeWitt, Mich. / DeWitt). Mammel also led the team in assists last season. Plantz is a two-year starter who has scored 35 career goals.
Elena Gallego (Norwalk, Calif. / Santa Fe) and Bailey Brown (Sheridan, Ind. / Westfield) also return with multiple years of starting experience. Each player set career-highs in goals, draw controls and caused turnovers last season.
Laura Rosekrans (Williamston, Mich. / Williamston) gives the Thunder an experienced performer on the defensive side of the field. The senior started seven games after joining the program last season and also contributed a pair of goals on the offensive end.
Trine opens the season Saturday, Mar. 4 at home against Wilmington (Ohio). The opening draw is scheduled for 2 p.m. The Thunder open conference play Apr. 5 at Kalamazoo. CLICK HERE to view the complete schedule.
The results of the MIAA Preseason Poll can be found below.
MIAA Preseason Women's Lacrosse Poll
Place. Team, Points (First-place votes)
1. Calvin, 61 (5)
2. Albion, 56 (3)
3. Hope, 50 (1)
T-4. Kalamazoo, 36
T-4. Saint Mary's, 36
6. Adrian, 32
7. Alma, 29
8. Trine, 16
9. Olivet, 8