Wingate, N.C.----The 2019 Wingate University women's lacrosse season gets underway this weekend, with the Bulldogs hosting Embry-Riddle Friday at 3 p.m. Wingate is coming off a 6-13 season, going 4-4 in league play to finish in a tie for fourth in the SAC standings. The 'Dogs advanced to the SAC Tournament semifinals in 2018 after appearing in their first-ever SAC Tournament title game in 2017.

"We are very excited for the upcoming season," first-year head coach Abby Wiley says. "The team has been working extremely hard throughout the preseason. We are trying to develop the mentality and mindset of a winning program. The team is very excited to get on the field, to start competing for a SAC Championship"

ATTACK

The Bulldogs return plenty of firepower at the attack position, led by preseason first team All-SAC honoree Kendall Wells. The junior led the SAC with 71 goals last season, adding 14 assists to register 85 points, setting the school record for goals and points in a season. "Kendall sees the play before it even happens and has a fantastic shot," Wiley says.

Sophomore Nina Cifolilli had an impressive freshman season in 2018, finishing second on the team with 31 goals and third with 20 assists, finishing second on the squad with 51 points. "Nina is a sneaky player," Wiley says. "She is very dynamic and can play anywhere on the offensive side."

Also seeing time up front will be newcomers Bella Pellet and Paige Kamer. "Bella and Paige both are very quick and are great finishers," Wiley says.

MIDFIELD

The midfield will be anchored by a senior, junior and freshman in Emily Ketron, Casey Roux and Becca Ruiz, respectively.

Ketron had 16 goals and six assists last season, while piling up 44 ground balls to rank second on the team, adding 11 caused turnovers. "Emily is a big transition player for us," Wiley says. "She is great on the draw circle, has a great shot and is a very solid defender."

Roux was third on the team with 27 goals last season, adding 14 assists to rank fourth on the team with 41 points while adding 26 ground balls. "Along with her offensive numbers, Casey is a very good defender and just a fierce competitor," Wiley says.

Ruiz is expected to have a big impact on the Bulldog midfield right away. "Becca is so agile and has a fantastic shot," Wiley says. "She's very hard to defend with her size and quickness."

Also seeing important time in the midfield will be sophomores Morgan Akers and Ellie Gottschalk. Akers netted 15 goals as a freshman, while Gottschalk collected 15 goals and six assists, with the two combining for 51 ground balls. "Morgan and Ellie are going to be huge contributors in the midfield for us," Wiley says. "Morgan is a great defender and a leader on the offensive side. Ellie is really quick and a sneaky attacker."

DEFENSE

The defense will be anchored by first team All-SAC honoree Sierra Street, along with senior Megan Amrein. Street had a team-best 17 caused turnovers last season to go along with 35 ground balls. Amrein added 15 ground balls on the year, while scoring four goals. "Sierra is our draw taker considering her size and strength," Wiley says. "She is a great 1 vs. 1 defender and she really leads the tempo of our defense. Megan is really big in transition for us considering she is our fastest defender."

Also contributing to the Wingate defense that ranked fourth in the SAC in goals-against average last season will be sophomore Emmy Fluman and junior Taylor Barker, to go along with newcomers Caroline Heffner and Abby Hallberg. "Emmy and Taylor both have good experience and played important key roles on the defense in the past," Wiley says. "Caroline and Abby will both be important additions to help strengthen our defensive unit." 

GOALIE

Senior Arion Pierre will once again be in net for the Bulldogs. A two-time All-SAC selection, Pierre led the league in save percentage and saves last season, ranking fourth in goals-against average. "Arion is a super-quick goalie," Wiley says. "She's got great, quick clears and she is a very passionate player."

SCHEDULE

After the season opener Saturday, Wingate will hit the road to take on Belmont Abbey, Mount Olive and North Greenville to finish out the month before returning home March 8 to host Florida Southern. The Bulldogs open SAC play March 16, hosting Mars Hill at 4 p.m. Wingate will once again serve as the hosts school of the SAC Tournament semifinals and finals in April.