BREVARD, N.C. - A year removed from qualifying for their first South Atlantic Conference tournament, the 2017 Brevard College Tornados women's lacrosse team, heads into the upcoming season with high expectations, returning the bulk of last year' s roster, including SAC player of the year Caitlyn Nemeth (Old Bridge, N.J.).
It was announced Wednesday, by the league office that the Tornados were picked sixth in the conference preseason polls, while Nemeth was named to the preseason all-conference first team.
Head coach Kristin Rosato returns for her second season at the helm. Rosato took over the head coaching responsibilities after serving as an assistant coach the previous year. In her first season, she coached two players to the all-conference team, and posted Brevard's best record in program history.
"We had a great season last year," said coach Rosato. "I love the idea of being the underdog in most games and there is nothing better than proving yourself to others and your own team. Obviously, we want to do better than last year and to constantly keep improving. Our number one goal is to continue building on our core values and be a strong family for each other."
Nemeth had an exceptional sophomore campaign, setting a SAC record for goals in a season with 67, and setting a program record for points with 77. The Old Bridge, New Jersey native was named the South Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the week on three different occasions, before being tapped as the 2016 SAC Player of the Year.
"Nemeth was conference player of the year last year," said Rosato. "I look forward to watching her lead her teammates this year. I am proud of her growth on and off the field."
At the top of the rankings is Queens University receiving 80 total points. The Royals finished as last season's conference champions with an 18-3 overall record, and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse Championships. Lenoir-Rhyne received 72 points for a second place ranking, and rounding out the top-three schools is Wingate with 64 points.
The sixth place ranking is the highest Brevard has been picked since beginning the program in 2014. The Tornados finished last season with a 9-7 overall record and 4-4 record in SAC. Brevard captured its first post-season appearance with a trip to the conference quarterfinals against Tusculum last season.
The 2017 Tornados welcome back a majority of key players from last year's team. Including junior Livia Harrienger (Watertown, N.Y)who started all 16 games last season, recording 30 assists, a mark that set the program record. Junior Shelby Arsenault (Shallow Lake, Ontario) returns between the pipes, anchoring the Tornado's defense as goalie started every game in goal for Brevard last year, posting a 42.2 save percentage and a 11.56 goals against average.
"I expect nothing less than great leadership," stated Rosato. "They have been here long enough and know the expectations on and off the field. They are the ones who have created the culture. They know the bar is high for them, but I have no doubt they will rise to the standard."
Brevard enters the upcoming campaign with several new faces that are expected to make an impact as some point this season.
"I believe that all the freshmen are essential if we want to execute our game plan and win," said Rosato. "They all play a role and bring something a little different. If they do their part then I have no doubt, they will have an exceptional season as newcomers in the program."
The Tornados begin their season on the road with two scrimmages against Converse and North Greenville. Brevard opens up regular season play on Feb. 11, at Methodist beginning at 3 p.m. The first home game will be on Feb. 18 against Emmanuel with a 1 p.m. starting time. The Tornados will have a brief break before conference play starts on March 1, with a trip to Tusculum.
Preseason Poll
1. Queens (8) 80
2. Lenoir-Rhyne (1) 72
3. Wingate 64
4. Tusculum 61
5. Catawba 50
6. Brevard 46
7. Coker 38
8. Newberry 30
9. Lincoln Memorial 27
2017 South Atlantic Conference Women's Lacrosse
Preseason All-Conference
First Team
A - Caitlyn Nemeth, Brevard
A - Hanna Scott Queens
A - Abigail Paulus, Queens
A - Brittany Andrews, Wingate
MF - Kelly Dowd, Queens
MF - Paulena Dempsey, Wingate
MF - Nicolette Salay, Catawba
MF - Madison Malone, Tusculum
D - Lindsay Ordemann, Coker
D - Marabeth Durden, Coker
D - Aarika Kaester, Queens
D - Morgan Insel, Wingate
GK - Ines Flueck, Lenoir-Rhyne
Second Team
A - Faith Kent, Coker
A - Alexandra Bruder, Queens
A - Torrey Schwitkis, Lenoir-Rhyne
A - Shannon O'Neal, Wingate
MF - Aubriana Benedetto, Lenoir-Rhyne
MF - Claudia Jenkins, Coker
MF - Hannah Scott, Catawba
MF - Amara Moss, Lincoln Memorial
D -Emily Kessler, Lenoir-Rhyne
D - Taylor Winters, Lenoir-Rhyne
D - MelissaSaganich, Lincoln Memorial
D - Noreen McAllister, Lenoir-Rhyne
GK - Arion Pierre, Wingate