Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (1/16/2023) – "Our greatest strength is how connected we are," said Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Shannon Algeo. "They are great friends off the field, which shows in our on-field chemistry. It improves our respect, trust, and communication. It allows us to be more confident and fearless than we have in some time." Gwynedd Mercy University enjoyed an 8-10 finish in 2022 and served as the #6 seed in the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Women's Lacrosse Championship Tournament after securing a 16-13 league win over Neumann University (Apr. 15, 2022).
   
With the graduation of Seydel Acuna '22, Anna Grace Bernicker '22, Meleah Hoats '22, Julia Smith '22, and Laura Pelczar '22, Gwynedd Mercy University looks to a strong crop of incoming freshmen and the continued growth and development of several key contributors from the 2022 season. Senior goalkeeper Reilly Owens (Pottstown, Pa.) and junior attack Kristin Varilla (Lansdale, Pa.) will captain a roster that also welcomes back sophomores Cheyenne Avellino (Egg Harbor, N.J.), Hailey Bloom (Margate City, N.J.), Alysia Collins (Royersford, Pa.), and Maddie Jeter (Bensalem, Pa.), juniors Grace Cooney (Doylestown, Pa.) and Lindsay Anderson (Merchantville, N.J.).
 
"Owens is an impact player," praised Coach Algeo. "Varilla was our leading goal scorer last season. "Their leadership and talent are key to our success." Owens posted league-highs in saves (214) and ground balls per game (3.50) on the strength of a 14.03 goals-against average (GAA) and a .476 save percentage. During the course of the season, she surpassed both the 200 and 300-career save plateaus, further cementing her position among the Griffins' top net minders. Owens currently ranks third all-time in saves (351) at Gwynedd Mercy University with last year's total of 214 stops ranking second all-time by the University's single-season standards. Meanwhile, Varilla was the Griffins' top scorer with team-highs in goals (59) and points (71). She ranked among the AEC Top-10 in both statistics – sixth in goals and tied for fifth in points – while recovering 30 ground balls and causing 11 turnovers. Her impressive season ranks third all-time at Gwynedd Mercy University in shots (119), tied for third in game-winning goals (4), fifth in goals, sixth in points and free-position goals (13), and seventh in shots on goal (89).

Owens is joined between the by freshman Melanie Rola (Morrell Park, Pa.), while Varilla headlines deep attack unit that welcomes the return of Bloom and Collins. The former recorded 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists), 18 ground balls, three draw controls, and 10 caused turnovers, while the latter offered 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists), 31 ground balls, 25 draw controls, and 16 caused turnovers. Freshman Sydney Brown (Washington Township, N.J.) is a new addition to the attack. She is a graduate of lacrosse powerhouse Washington Township High School and sister of former Gwynedd Mercy University captain Samantha Brown '20.
 
Anderson, Cooney, and Jeter return to a defensive unit that adds freshman Devyn Becker (Elizabethtown, Pa.). Becker is a product of central Pennsylvania's Lanco Elite Lacrosse Club who is expected to contribute immediately to the backfield. Meanwhile, the midfield will include newcomers Caroline Cleary (Chalfont, Pa.) and Ayana Lyons (Norristown, Pa.) alongside a familiar cast that includes Collins, Avellino, and Jeter. A junior, Cleary is a first-year collegiate student-athlete after a transfer from the University of Scranton. Lyons – who just completed her first season on the field hockey team - was an All-Pioneer Athletic Conference Second Team performer while at Norristown High School. Fresh off an All-AEC Second Team field hockey season, Avellino will look to improve upon a women's lacrosse freshman campaign that included five points (2 goals, 3 assists), 31 ground balls, 18 draw controls, and 21 caused turnovers.
 
"Although we graduated five of our top players, this team is still more experienced than we have been in years," said Coach Algeo. "We are bringing in five players that all have significant competitive lacrosse experience. As in years past, we aim to get 1% better every day. If we can do that, than a .500 record and a home AEC playoff game are well within reach."
 
The Gwynedd Mercy University women's lacrosse team opens their 2023 schedule at the Athletics Complex on February 18 with a 1:00 p.m. draw opposite King's College (Pa.).