2024 Season Preview: Rivier Women’s Lacrosse

NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier women's lacrosse team begins its fourth season under the direction of head coach Maura Ellins on Tuesday, March 5 at Mass. Maritime with a 7:00 p.m. start time set from Clean Harbors Stadium.

The Raiders finished the 2023 season going 6-8 overall and 5-8 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) and look to build off forward momentum as the new year begins with the core of the roster returning. Ellins also added three first years to the squad in Madelyn Poulton, Alysha Hok, and Sofia Cebrero.

"I'm really excited for this season and the growth our program continues to have each year," said Ellins. "We are returning all of our key players from last year's team and adding three dynamic first years who will immediately make an impact on the field."

Junior Sarah Lachance led the team offensively in the previous season with 76 points, scoring 59 goals and adding 17 assists while starting in all 14 games on her way to the All-GNAC Second Team. Lachance looks to continue to be an impact player for Riv along with Caitlin Newell who ended the 2023 season with 28 points on 19 goals and nine assists.

Along with locking down other teams on defense, Cassie Hemmerdinger tallied 23 points on 17 goals and seven assists in her sophomore season.

Attacker Rachel Hinkley notched 14 points on eight goals and six assists in 2023 and will continue to be a vocal leader on the field.

"We have been working hard this year on our offensive and defensive chemistry on the field with the addition of those new players," Ellins continued. "We are clicking really well right now and the coaches are eager to see all of that transition into games."

Rivier will play a 15-game schedule, with four non-conference contests including Mass. Maritime, Thomas (Me.), Vermont St. Castleton, and Fitchburg St.

Following Tuesday night's contest, Rivier will host Saint Joseph (Conn.) in the home opener on Sunday, March 10 with a 4:00 p.m. start from Merrill Field.

Rivier will take on several GNAC North Division opponents to vie for a spot in the postseason, including Saint Joseph's (Me.), Simmons, Emmanuel (Mass.), Colby-Sawyer, Norwich, New England Col., and Anna Maria.