Women's Lacrosse 2/19/2016 9:00:00 AM

WOMEN'S LACROSSE VENTURES TO SAINT FRANCIS FOR FIRST-EVER GAME

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GAME DAY CENTRAL

RADFORD, Va. – The Radford women's lacrosse team will begin its inaugural season this Saturday at Saint Francis (Pa.) under the direction of head coach Haley Marvine. Opening draw is set for 2 p.m. from Loretto, Pa.

Marvine comes from Transylvania University (Ky.) where she started the women's lacrosse program there. Now, she is doing the same for Radford University. Marvine played at the Division I level. She was a standout goalkeeper and team captain at the University of Cincinnati. Now, she gets to coach at the Division I level at Radford, where she calls it her "dream job."

The Highlanders will host their home opener at Cupp Stadium on February 24 against Virginia Tech. Their 2016 season includes a 15-game schedule consisting of seven non-conference games and eight Big South games.

"This team is really excited to get going," Marvine expressed. "This team wants to start winning early and has some aggressive goals, but if we put in the work and take some risk, then hopefully we can get there."

Marvine and her team is really focused on setting the tone early and making a name for themselves in the upcoming season. "We want this team to set the foundation for what they want the team culture to be and what they want our program to be known for."

The Highlanders are already facing adversity with several players dealing with injuries during the preseason. "It's going to take some creative substitutions and creative strategies," Marvine said referring to the lack of depth RU currently has.

As with any first-year program, the Highlanders feature a youthful lineup—15 of their 18 players are freshmen. Despite the growing pains the program is surely to experience, Marvine is optimistic about the future.

"This team, as a whole, has grown so much more from where we were when we first started," Marvine pointed out. "We're focused on building a solid foundation. I'm excited about the future of our program because of the young women we have. They are eager to make us competitive in the Big South."

THE ATTACKERS
Gracie Peterson and Adrian Rius will be relied upon to provide the scoring punch early for the Highlanders. Peterson, who was a three-time state champion at Milton High School in Georgia, brings a winning mindset to RU. Her speed will be a huge asset to Radford creating opportunities in front of goal. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Rius has been playing at the varsity level since middle school. Her experience and strength will cause matchup problems for the opposition.

THE MIDFIELDERS
"We have a ton of talent there," Marvine had to say when asked about her midfielders. Juliette Ruland and Callie Bonnel are two players to keep your eyes on, as both have the ability to make major impacts on both ends of the field.

THE DEFENDERS
The one area receiving the most attention during the preseason is the Highlanders' defense. "We put a lot of focus on our defense, so I'm excited to see what they look like," Marvine said.

Freshman Shelby Merchant will anchor the backline as the communicator and quarterback of the defense.

THE GOALKEEPERS
A former goalkeeper herself, Marvine has high expectations for freshman Hannah Rosen. "We have an excellent goalkeeper in Hannah," Marvine noted. "She comes from a winning background, having won a state championship in high school."

Masyn Dillon, the Highlanders' backup in goal, has been sidelined during the preseason due to an injury.

SCOUTING SAINT FRANCIS
Saturday's game is also the season opener for the Red Flash, which is coming off a 3-13 campaign last year. Rebecca Meyer is the top returning attacker for Saint Francis, finding the back of the net 23 times as a junior.

In the midfield, senior captain Christina Fini is the top returning goal scorer, having put away 27 goals. She also ranked third on the team in ground balls (28).

UP NEXT
Radford's first-ever home game is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. as the Highlanders welcome Virginia Tech to Cupp Stadium.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Shelby Merchant: D; 5' 4"; Freshman

#4 Juliette Ruland: A/MF; 5' 11"; Freshman

#15 Adrian Rius: A/MF; 5' 9"; Freshman

#25 Hannah Rosen: GK; 5' 5"; Freshman

#16 Gracie Peterson: A; 5' 6"; Freshman

#1 Callie Bonnel: MF; 5' 2"; Freshman

#28 Masyn Dillon: GK; 5' 7"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#11 Shelby Merchant
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: D

#4 Juliette Ruland
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: A/MF

#15 Adrian Rius
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: A/MF

#25 Hannah Rosen
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: GK

#16 Gracie Peterson
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: A

#1 Callie Bonnel
: 5' 2"; Freshman
: MF

#28 Masyn Dillon
: 5' 7"; Junior
: GK