JACK NIMESHEIM, Special to The Denisonian —

Though the final scores of their two “play day” games may not reflect it, the Denison women’s lacrosse team looks primed to make another NCAA Division III Final Four run this coming spring.

The Big Red dropped both October 30th contests, the first to the University of Indianapolis (Division II) and the second to host Butler University (Division I). But, with seven rostered juniors  studying abroad and six seniors from the spectacular 2021 season now graduated, head coach Amanda Daniels and her players were encouraged by the young team’s ability to mesh fast against teams from higher competition levels.

“Play days” allow Division III programs to seek competition during the fall, traditionally the “offseason” for lacrosse players. The ambitious Big Red used the opportunity to take on teams from higher divisions, in hopes of seeing where they stand on a national scale.

“Our goal in these ‘play days’ is just to expose our team and all of our players to this high level of play,” Daniels told The Denisonian. “Knowing what we don’t have with the team right now, I don’t think we would see the same results playing those two teams again in the spring.”

There was an especially strong showing from the first-year class, particularly defender Mary Daniel and attack Maddie Van Slyke who joins an already-powerful group of attacks, led by junior Jane Bailey (14 goals, 22 assists last season) and sophomore Josie Lucchesi (13 goals, 8 assists).

“I think [the first-years] bring a great lax I.Q.,” said Daniels. “All of the fundamentals are there. Their inherent love of the game and love of Denison, coming in, was really already established.”

Players, too, thought highly of the newcomers’ showing Saturday.

“[They] exceeded my expectations. They definitely contributed,” said sophomore attack Jane Lukens, who scored four goals in her rookie season.

The Big Red immediately shifted focus towards getting in tip-top shape for the upcoming spring, beginning voluntary strength-and-conditioning workouts just two days after the doubleheader. These workouts will carry on through the remainder of the first semester.

On-field training resumes when students return after winter break. The Big Red will prepare for a season-opening rematch against Butler, as part of a non-conference schedule that also includes road pairings with Division III powerhouses Gettysburg and Dickinson.

Coming off of a historic season, the bar is set higher than ever for this group. The team knows the pressure, and feels the pressure, but is embracing it.

“Pressure is a privilege,” said Daniels, “and that’s something that I think we’re capable of handling.”

“It’s good pressure,” said Lucchesi.

Does this year’s squad have what it takes to repeat, or even outdo, the last one?

“Definitely,” according to Lucchesi.