2019 Women's Lacrosse Season Preview

SALEM, Mass. – Head coach Stephanie Rouse begins her fifth season at the helm of the Salem State women's lacrosse team. Bolstered by the return of all-conference midfielder Paige Giuliano (Braintree, Mass.), the Vikings will look to improve upon their 3-14 record and sixth place (2-5) finish in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) in 2018.

Giuliano, a three-time all-conference selection, was named captain for the 2019 season, and is Salem State's leading returning scorer. The senior accounted for 30 points (16g, 14a) a season ago, and will be the unquestioned leader of a team with nine new faces this year. In addition, Giuliano led the team in draw controls (54), ground balls (52) and tied for third on the team in caused turnovers (17). "Our team is young this season as Giuliano is our only senior. I look forward to seeing what each of these athletes can contribute to the field," added Rouse.

Kirsten Bradley (Peabody, Mass.), Shayla Inglis (Lowell, Mass.) and Gianna DeNisco (Peabody, Mass.) will also be key returners. Bradley scored nine points (5g, 4a) in her first season, starting in all 17 games. She won 22 draws while contributing 16 caused turnovers. Inglis will be the backbone of the defense, after starting in 14 games in 2018. She recorded three goals and an assist while securing 17 ground balls and eight caused turnovers. DeNisco returns in net, and is Salem State's most experienced goalie, appearing in 15 games with 12 starts last season. The sophomore was fifth is the MASCAC with 137 saves a year ago.

Necomers Suzanne Stefanik (Dalton, Mass./Wahconah Regional HS) and Jill Trefry (Beverly, Mass./Beverly HS) are expected to be impact players. Stefanik, a two-time 2nd team All-Berkshire player, will add depth to the defensive side while Trefry will be a welcomed addition offensively.

Coach's  Take

"We look to continue to improve and build upon the progress we've made the last few years. A top goal for this season is to move beyond the quarterfinal round of the MASCAC Tournament, making it to the semifinals. This team is a special group of girls that have the drive to fight for success under any circumstances."

2019 MASCAC Women's Lacrosse Pre-Season Coaches Poll

(First Place Votes In Parentheses)