LIVONIA, Mich. – With just one home game left in their inaugural season, the Madonna University women's lacrosse team honored five seniors on Saturday at the Madonna Athletics Complex who have helped lay the foundation for a program that promises to have some exciting years ahead.
Despite a 20-1 loss to third-ranked Lawrence Technical University, spirits were high after the game as the celebration of the teams seniors continued.
"It's been a pretty great experience to have so many seniors on our team," said Crusaders Head Coach Dan Tesky. "You really can't teach collegiate playing experience, so having student-athletes who are used to winning and have that senior attitude and mindset has been a great asset in helping develop our younger players and the team. Every one of them have come in hungry to learn more about the sport and have poured a lot of hours into improving as quickly as possible."
Senior Jordyn Shepler (SR/Livonia, Mich.), a four-year golf standout for the Crusaders, showed her continued improvement in the game as she found Katie Larabell (SO/Novi, Mich.) for Madonna's lone goal with 13:59 left in the first half.
Spencer Stokes (SR/Clio, Mich.), a senior who joined the program after a standout career as a setter with the volleyball team, collected two groundballs, a draw control and caused a turnover in the game while fellow ex-volleyball senior, Emily Johnson(SR/Grandville, Mich.), added two draw controls to her impressive lacrosse resume that includes a team-best 19 goals and one assist for 20 points.
The Crusaders also bid adieu to goalkeeper Stephanie Mackley (SR/Livonia, Mich.) who has acclimated well to her position in net as she made nine saves on Saturday to bring her season total to 150. She has stopped nearly 40 percent of the shots she has faced while playing nearly 780 minutes.
The final senior to be honored was Justice Dean (SR/Garden City, Mich.), who joined the program after the basketball season, but an injury prohibited her from participating on the field, however, she's been a great leader and teammate. Her dedication to the program and willingness to remain part of the team did not go unnoticed.
In the game, Madonna finished with eight shots, three draw controls, 13 groundballs and six clears.
The Crusaders return to action on Monday, Apr. 17 as they travel to Sylvania, Ohio to face Lourdes University at 5 p.m. The game is the make-up for the contest originally scheduled for Mar. 15.
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