By Dylan Lux
The women’s lacrosse team started the season with a win against Butler University at home Feb. 12. Since then, the Penguins have struggled as they lost the following five games.
Sophomore Natalie Calandra-Ryan came away with Offensive Player of the Week honors for the Mid-American Conference after her performances against Niagara University and No. 3 Northwestern University.
Calandra-Ryan scored three goals against Niagara to complete her fourth hat trick of the season. She also tallied four draw controls against the Purple Eagles, but it wasn’t enough for the Penguins, as they lost 18-11.
Against No. 3 Northwestern, Calandra-Ryan netted five draw controls, the most of any player. She also grabbed two ground balls in the matchup, which ended 24-3.
The lacrosse team returned to action against Gardner-Webb University at home March 14, where they took home the victory, 21-18. Calandra-Ryan, fresh off her Player of the Week performances, led the Penguins with 7 goals, and 5 assists.
Halle Kotulock, who has been assistant coach since January, has assumed the role as head coach of the lacrosse team, taking over from Kendyl Clarkson who will no longer be working with the team.
Kotulock will be the head coach for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season, a decision made March 15. It will be up to Kotulock if she decides to bring on an assistant coach.
The lacrosse team will return to the field March 19, to face off against Canisius University in Buffalo, New York.
