A dominant performance in the season-opening exhibition against Pacific Lutheran might be just what the young 2024 Wildcats lacrosse team needed to get the season started on the right foot.
 
Linfield finished 2023 with a 3-11 overall record and 3-9 in Northwest Conference play but with most key contributors returning this season, highlighted by Gabby Crist and Grayce Miller. The 2024 'Cats will aim to take a step forward in the new year.
 
"I'm super excited for this season," head coach Sarah Dalsey said. "This is my second season here at Linfield and we got a small squad. We only lost two seniors from last year and I think in terms of team culture, our freshmen really came in and meshed really well. I'm really excited to see how we do."
 
Miller was named first-team All-NWC as a freshman and led the conference with 2.64 caused turnovers per game. The San Diego, Calif., native caused a season-high five turnovers on three occasions and tallied two goals plus an assist.
 
Crist finished last season as an Honorable Mention All-NWC selection and ranked among the NWC leaders in total goals with 41. She dished out 10 assists for a total of 51 points and was named NWC Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week after scoring eight goals against Puget Sound. Miller and Crist will be two players the 'Cats will rely on this season.
 
ON THE ATTACK
To go along with Crist on the attack, the Wildcats bring back Maizri Chandler (14), Erynn McCurdy (13) and Leah Stednick (13) who finished second through fourth in total goals.
 
"We have so much talent," Dalsey said. "I'm really excited to see who can step up. Unfortunately, last year we didn't have Maya Wright she was out with an ACL she'll be back and I'm expecting big things from her. I'm expecting big things from Savannah (Irwin) as well but I'm really proud of our returning sophomores, it's really night and day from last year."
 
GETTING DEFENSIVE
On the back line with Miller, Mackenzie Kulick contributed 13 goals last season but looks to be one of the leaders of the defense. Kulick finished second on the team in draw controls with 46 and caused 19 turnovers. Kelsey Reinemer and Gracie Pratt come into 2024 with more experience and combined for 14 caused turnovers last year.
 
Linfield aims to be another disruptive force this season after leading the NWC in caused turnovers in 2023. In goal, Caity Babock and Tenley Hodge split time last season. Hodge looks to slot in as the early starter after holding Pacific Lutheran to one goal in the Wildcats' exhibition match.
 
JOINING THE FOLD
Coach Dalsey brought in four new freshmen in her recruiting class. The four new 'Cats all come from different states and bring different skill sets.
 
"They're all from different places," Dalsey said. "I think that can add a fun flair and they all bring their own kind of take of defense."
 
Elizabeth Long, Madison De La Trinidad, Starr Pfleiger and Emma Gallegos all have the chance to see healthy amounts of playing time early this season.
 
COMING UP
The Wildcats open their five-game home stand with Eastern Oregon coming to the Lacrosse Complex on Friday at 6 p.m.
 
"I want them to continue to have fun," Dalsey said. "It shows in their play. That's the goal of booking these preseason games, is to get their feet wet into college lacrosse but ultimately, it's about having fun."