As the winter sports session comes to a close, the Oswego State women’s lacrosse team has been cranking up their intensity lately.
After Oswego’s SUNYAC Championship appearance in 2019, this group hopes to continue to push the bar forward. The team has been disciplined, finding time to improve whenever they can throughout the offseason.
“In the offseason, we have a lifting program that everyone follows. Keeping up with conditioning, while also constantly finding the time to keep our sticks up during the winter,” said multiple time female athlete of the week, Sela Wiley.
This uptick in training will be put on full display soon. It is a unique start to the season with their first game on the road against Morrisville State college on Feb. 25, and another game at home against Clarkson University on Feb. 28. Head coach Britt Howard revels in these opportunities.
“We scrimmaged in the fall, and I really like how we played that game,” Howard said. Morrisville and Clarkson right away, we’ve got a quick turnaround so it should be a great opportunity to make adjustments right away in a game setting.”
This quick turnaround will be an early test to see where this group is at. While there are many returning players, one thing Wiley likes about this team is how there is a surplus of hungry, young players eager to get their first taste of collegiate athletics.
“I really like our freshman class, it’s great that it’s bigger than last year,” Wiley said. “It’s a big adjustment going from high school to college, so after a few games I’m sure they’ll get the hang of it.”
These two early games are important, but they are well-aware of the long, grueling task ahead of them if they want to advance past the first round of the SUNYAC Championship. The anticipation has been building, and it is almost time for the test. The team is particularly looking forward to facing Morrisville, with Wiley expecting the talent difference to give Oswego state the edge in their first game of the season.
“It should be a good first game for us to play,” Wiley said. “They’re not as strong as some of the other teams we’re gonna face, so it should be a good opportunity for us to see how everyone works together in a game situation.”
This group should be ready for what is ahead. Howard has been seeing the team chemistry grow with each week, but does not want them to get too ahead of themselves.
“Heading into week five, I’m excited to finally play a game. Working together is one of the biggest things, so these five weeks have really helped us develop as a team,” Howard said. “I always tell the girls it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. This season we’ve been with this group for two years. Everyone’s trying to buy into the system. Everyone is learning each other’s habits and playstyle, so it should be a great season!”
This marathon has not begun just yet, but Howard likes what she has been seeing. There have been numerous individuals who have stood out.
“Sela is a phenomenal athlete, she has a phenomenal IQ. I harp on her more than other players, but that’s the way she likes to be coached,” Howard said. “We have a ton of exciting freshmen. Julia Quirk came from a great high school program, and has a great work ethic. It’s Shae McConnell’s last season, so I’m hoping she gives it her all. We’re returning our whole starting defense, so I’m truly excited to see everyone play this season.”
With opening day this weekend, there will not be much longer before we all get to see what this women’s lacrosse team is all about.
Photo via: Oswego Athletics
