The University of Akron lacrosse team is gearing up for an exciting matchup against Xavier this Sunday at 2 p.m. in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Team Captains for 2026
The Zips have chosen Katie Baumer and her sister Sarah Baumer from Rochester, N.Y., as their captains for this season. Their leadership will be crucial for the team’s success.
Key Players to Watch
Sienna Hinchcliffe, a junior also from Rochester, has made a splash this season. She leads the team with 22 goals and 27 points from 41 shots. Katie Baumer follows with 15 goals, while Kaitlyn Sikorski, another junior, leads in assists with 11. Goalkeeper Adrianna Califano has made 30 saves, showing promise in her first season.
Xavier Overview
Akron will face Xavier for the third time, with the Musketeers struggling a bit this season at 1-3 after a recent loss. Samantha Balara leads Xavier with five goals. Their goalkeeper, Jada Brandon, has made 41 saves, showcasing her skills in the net.
Recent Performance
In their last meeting on February 15, 2025, Akron dominated Xavier with a score of 15-6. Sienna Hinchcliffe scored five goals that day, demonstrating her powerful offense.
Preseason Polls
The Mid-American Conference predicts a competitive season for the Zips, placing them second in the preseason coaches’ poll. Massachusetts is seen as a strong contender for first.
Historic Milestones
Last year, Akron achieved a significant milestone by winning the MAC Tournament title, marking its first-ever NCAA tournament berth. This come-from-behind victory over Robert Morris was a highlight for the squad.
Player Achievements
Sienna Hinchcliffe has set several records at Akron, leading in goals, points, and shots. Katie Baumer is also climbing the ranks, tying for the highest caused turnovers in school history.
Stats Spotlight
Currently, Akron ranks first in the MAC for ground balls and is showing strong performance across numerous categories. Sienna Hinchcliffe leads in goals per game, reinforcing her presence as a top player.
As the Zips aim for another victory against Xavier, fans are eagerly keeping an eye on their progress. The dynamics of this match will be crucial not only for team rankings but also for individual player development.
For more insights into the growing competitive landscape of college lacrosse, check out the NCAA’s official site for updates and statistics.
