SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University lacrosse team will open the 2022 regular season tomorrow at Robb Sports Complex in pursuit of success.
 
It will be the first of five non-conference games for Shippensburg, including four straight to start the season, in addition to 12 games against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division opponents.
 
Shippensburg is under the direction of a new head coach, as Brooke Sabol was hired in November to replace Nicole Meehan. Jacy Sterritt is the new assistant coach; Sterritt was hired in August to take over for Nicole Hinkle, who was named the head coach at Misericordia.
 
"We have worked very hard this preseason to focus on all the little aspects of the game," Sabol said. "We know that if we take care of all the little things, the bigger things will fall into place. We have also stressed playing fast in all areas of the field."
 
Shippensburg posted a 5-8 record last season, playing a schedule comprised entirely of schools in the conference. The Raiders want to be in the mix for their first postseason appearance in 15 years.
 
"We want to see our team play for one another," Sabol said. "We have emphasized a 'we before me' style of play and are excited to see it implemented in our upcoming games."
 
From a class breakdown, there are as many as 12 players in line to graduate at the end of the season. Overall, there are 22 returning players and eight freshmen.
 
Among the primary returners is senior Hannah Seifried, the 2021 PSAC Eastern Division Athlete of the Year. Seifried led the Raiders last season with 34 goals (a total which tied for fifth in the PSAC), tied for the team lead with 49 draw controls, and ranked second on the team with 19 groundballs.
 
SU also returns All-PSAC Eastern Division Second Teamers Alana Cardaci and Gabby Savarino. Cardaci scored 25 goals last season and has totaled 121 goals in her career. Savarino tied Seifried for the team lead with 49 draw controls, finished third on the team with 22 goals, and tied for second on the team with nine caused turnovers.
 
The team's captains will be Seifried, Cardaci, junior Carly Switala and Savarino.
 
"We have a lot of great leadership on the team with our veteran players and they have done a good job this preseason of keeping practices and scrimmages intense," Sabol said. "We are also excited for the young talent on our team. We believe that the young talent, paired with the veteran leadership, will be great for us this season."