The University of Richmond’s women’s lacrosse team is making waves again. For the fourth year in a row, they’ve been named the preseason favorite in the Atlantic 10 poll, showcasing their strength in the league. This year, they received eight first-place votes, highlighting their popularity among coaches.
Saint Joseph’s came in second with one first-place vote, while Davidson and St. Bonaventure followed. Rounding out the rest were VCU, Rhode Island, George Mason, George Washington, Duquesne, and La Salle.
Three players from Richmond earned spots on the preseason all-conference team: Alexis Morton, Bridget Lonsinger, and Reagan Quinn.
Players to Watch
Alexis Morton shines as the team’s offensive leader. Last season, she racked up a remarkable 76 points, thanks to her 39 goals and 37 assists. She also contributed defensively, with 14 ground balls and eight forced turnovers, and she’s now ranked tenth in Richmond’s history for career assists.
Bridget Lonsinger is back in the midfield after a standout rookie season where she scored 21 points. With 14 goals and 29 draw controls, she showed versatility on the field, making her a key player to watch.
Reagan Quinn solidified her role as a defensive powerhouse last season. With nine turnovers caused and solid contributions in ground balls, she continues to be a formidable presence on defense.
Upcoming Challenge
The Spiders kick off their season against No. 24 Penn State on February 7 at noon. It’s a highly anticipated match-up that could set the tone for their season.
Preseason Poll Highlights
- Richmond (8)
- Saint Joseph’s (1)
- Davidson
- St. Bonaventure (1)
- VCU
- Rhode Island
- George Mason
- George Washington
- Duquesne
- La Salle
Note: Numbers in parentheses indicate first-place votes.
The consistent performance of the Richmond Spiders reflects a growing trend in women’s lacrosse. According to recent statistics, collegiate women’s lacrosse has seen an increase in participation. The NCAA reports that the number of women’s lacrosse programs has grown by over 50% since 2010, emphasizing the game’s rising popularity.
As this season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Richmond can capitalize on their strong start and achieve more historic milestones.
