By Kerry Yang
This past weekend, the Colorado College women’s lacrosse team kicked off the official start of the regular season. The Tigers were defeated last year during the NCAA semifinals. With the No. 17 ranking by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association and the No. 1 ranking in the West, the Tigers were able to defeat Rhodes College, ranked No. 3 in the Mid-South, and Illinois Wesleyan University, ranked No. 2 in the West, with records of 9-8 and 15-12 respectively.
Despite winning both games, the team was not entirely satisfied with its performance. “The first game against Rhodes wasn’t the best showing of our abilities, but we were able to clean things up during the Illinois Wesleyan [game] and were able to throw passes and work as a team,” said Bea Pierrepont ’22.
Robin Hilderman ’20 agreed. “There was a lot of improvement from the first game to the second. We were able to focus more on making and catching passes, and I think the team has fantastic potential this year,” said Hilderman.
However, its performance this past weekend proved to the team that it is ready for a tough regular season. The Tigers will play six other IWLCA ranked teams, five of which will be played on the home turf.
“Overall, I thought we did really well and improved so much throughout the weekend. We started communicating more, and [that’s] what we’ve been practicing,” said Delia Freliech ’23. “I’m excited to see everyone improve and for the team to come together more as the season progresses.”
Captain Lauren Pejza ’20 predicted that the Tigers’ strong showing against regionally ranked teams will continue as their season progresses. “With each trip and each game we play, the team gets closer and we start to read each other’s play better. I look forward to letting that continue through practice and games and we will continue to improve,” said Pejza.
The Tigers will next face No. 5-ranked Wesleyan University Connecticut on March 9 at 4 p.m. on Washburn field, followed by a matchup against No. 19-ranked Ithaca College on March. 11 at 2 p.m.