VIDEO | Abby Wiley Interview
VIDEO | Leah Knowles Interview

Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University women's lacrosse season gets underway this weekend, with the Bulldogs hosting Lee University Saturday at noon. Wingate is coming off a 3-5 shortened 2020 season, winning its final two games of the season by piling up a combined 35 goals, which included an 18-12 victory over LMU in the SAC opener.

The Bulldogs return plenty of firepower from last year's squad, with four players earning preseason All-SAC honors. Wingate is led by fifth-year seniors Kendall Wells and Sierra Street, both multiple-time all-conference selections. Junior Becca Ruiz and sophomore goalie Megan Biase also earned preseason All-SAC accolades.

"The team is very energized to finally get back on the field after almost a year of not playing," head coach Abby Wiley says. "Practices have been high intensity, very competitive, and everybody is so excited to be just a couple days away from game day. This has been by far my favorite preseason in my coaching career because they have come to practice every day not taking their time on the field for granted."

Wingate has a good mix of seniors to go along with a solid group of underclassmen. The two fifth-year seniors are expected to be strong leaders on and off the field. "Having Kendall and Sierra back for a fifth year is a game changer for us," Wiley says. "Their level of game experience is something they can pass on to our younger players. Their passion and dedication to this program is unmatched."

A big strength for the Bulldogs this season will be the team's depth. "We have more depth this year than in years past with having a 28-player roster," Wiley says. "We also have experienced depth, rather than just player-depth. So that really helps with our underclassmen and the understanding of expectations in this program."

ATTACK

Wells will once again lead the way at attack for the Bulldogs. The SAC's all-time leader in goals piled up 28 goals in eight games last season, ranking sixth nationally in total goals and 22nd in points. "Kendall is a big contributor for us on the offensive side," Wiley says. "She sees the field really well, has a great lacrosse IQ and is a great finisher."

The Bulldogs will see senior Nina Cifolilli return after missing the 2020 season due to injury. She piled up 16 goals and 23 assists in 2019, ranking second on the team in assists and third in points. "Nina is finally back after missing last year with an injury," Wiley says. "She is a very selfless, hard-working player with great vision of the field."

Wingate will have plenty more players contribute at the attack position in sophomores Kayleigh Hiles and Annie Plotts, along with junior Bella Pellet and freshman Madi Caldwell. Plotts had eight goals and a team-high 11 assists last season, ranking second on the team with 19 points. Pellet contributed six goals and four assists with Hiles adding five goals and four assists.

"Kayleigh, Annie, Bella and Madi will be big contributors for us this year," Wiley says. "They are all great finishers with exceptional work ethic."  

MIDFIELD

The midfield will be led by sophomore Leah Knowles, who piled up 15 goals and three assists in her freshman season. She poured in 11 goals in the final two games of the season, highlighted by a seven-goal effort against LMU. "Leah is great on both sides of the ball," Wiley says. "She is the most humble player I've ever coached and is an extremely hard worker."

Freshman Emily Blakely will also make an immediate impact in the midfield for the 'Dogs. "Emily is great on the draw circle and will be a contributor offensively and defensively," Wiley says. "Emily and Leah are a great combination on the draw circle along with Abby Burke and Kayleigh Hiles."

Ruiz, Burke and Morgan Akers will also be key factors in the Wingate midfield. The 2019 SAC Freshman of the Year Ruiz had 13 goals and four assists last season, while Burke registered four goals and two assists as a freshman in 2020. Akers added a pair of goals for the Bulldogs in her junior season.

"Abby, Becca, Morgan and several freshmen will make our midfield a solid unit," Wiley says. "They are all threats all around the field and all have great speed. We are very fortunate to have such great depth in the midfield."

DEFENSE

The two-time first team All-SAC selection Street will once again be the defensive leader for the Bulldogs. She has started all 63 games of her Wingate career and led the team with eight caused turnovers last season while ranking second with 11 ground balls. "Sierra is a powerhouse on the defense," Wiley says. "She is one of our best one vs. one defenders and is always striving to be better."

Street will have plenty of familiar company on defense in senior Emmy Fluman, junior Caroline Heffner and sophomores Emily Phipps and Abby Hayhurst.

"Emmy, Caroline, Emily, and Abby all round each other out very well," Wiley says. "They are all good in specific areas that make for such a strong unit."

GOALIE

The sophomore Biase earned preseason second team All-SAC honors this year after piling up 80 saves in eight games last season. She ranked sixth nationally in total saves while ranking third in the conference in save percentage. "Megan is a great competitor," Wiley says. "She is extremely hard working and is a great leader on the defensive side. The team really values her opinion and feedback. After having her first season cut short, she is hungrier than I've ever seen her."

SCHEDULE

Wingate opens the season with back-to-back home games against Lee and Belmont Abbey before hitting the road to open SAC play at Limestone, who is ranked 13th in the IWLCA preseason top 25. The first SAC home game is slated for March 6, with the 'Dogs hosting UVA Wise at 1 p.m. before a trip to Queens to face the fourth-ranked Royals.