GLENSIDE, Pa. - For the first time in nearly a calendar year, the Arcadia University women's lacrosse program returns to competition Saturday on the road at Hood to open the 2021 season. The new-look Knights will rely upon the leadership of a strong veteran group to guide an influx of young talent throughout the course of the 13-game slate.
Related: 2021 Arcadia Women's Lacrosse Schedule | 2021 Arcadia Women's Lacrosse Roster
"Getting back on the field after almost a full year has been incredible," head coach Sam Hosford said, entering her fourth season. "This team has done an excellent job at putting in the work in the off-season to make sure they were prepared for the 2021 season. Throughout pre-season, we have seen a lot of improvement and players who have stepped up. I see a lot of potential in this year's team and we are excited to get on the playing field to see what we can achieve."
The Knights benefit from returning senior midfielders Michaela Ferlow and Alex Arena to the lineup after both lost their 2020 seasons to injury. Ferlow ranked third on the team in goals (19), points (20), and caused turnovers (12) during the 2019 season and aims to return to form to anchor the Arcadia midfield.
Junior defender
Diana Perry leads the Knights defense into the 2021 campaign having played in every game since she arrived in Glenside. The Landsdale, Pa. native caused 11 turnovers and recorded 19 ground balls in her only full season in 2019.
Arcadia also welcomes seven first-year players to the program that will play a pivotal role in the team's success in 2021.
Maddie Ruger will contribute to the Arcadia attack unit while
Emily Griffith will provide key minutes in net.
Following Saturday's season-opener at Hood, the Knights host Stevenson on Saturday, March 13 from Jean Lenox West Field. Arcadia begins its MAC Freedom slate at FDU-Florham on March 17, the first of four-straight conference matchups that also includes DeSales (March 20), Wilkes (March 24), and Misericordia (March 27).
