Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY KYLE MAIER, SPORTS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
With one final chance to secure an Atlantic 10 Tournament bid, the St. Bonaventure University women’s lacrosse team faces Virginia Commonwealth University on Saturday.
The Bonnies (7-9, 4-4 A10) would likely claim the sixth and final seed with a victory over the Rams (5-11, 4-4 A10) at the Tom 80’ and Michelle Athletics Field Complex.
Head coach LeighAnn Stauffer emphasized the need for offensive production in the upcoming match.
“If we can get eight to 10 goalscorers and spread the wealth a little bit, that would be ideal,” said Stauffer. “We got to be able to hold onto the ball and finish it. I would say anywhere from 30 to 40 shots, we would be in a good spot.”
Stauffer looks to exploit the holes in VCU’s zone defense to tallie scores.
“[VCU] plays zone defense, something we just saw against Davidson, so it’s nice to have that back to back so our offense can get in the same mindset,” said Stauffer. “As far as their defense goes, they’re strong. But we will be able to find the gaps in their zone.”
Sophomores midfielder Brooke Piper and midfielder Megan Schillinger have generated 52 total points and 121 total draw controls through 18 games.
Stauffer attributes their success to the duo’s toughness and chemistry.
“[Piper and Schllinger] are both gritty and they want it,” said Stauffer. “They’re also roommates, so they have no problem communicating. It helps when they work together in the draw circle. Being able to get the ball to our offense gives us huge momentum.”
Schillinger’s recorded 53 draw counts on the year, 39 more than last season.
Stauffer spoke on Schillinger’s vast improvement in her sophomore campaign.
“I think her confidence has boosted a lot more. That started a lot with the draw,” said Stauffer. “I know she worked hard on the draw over the summer because we talked to her last year about how we wanted her to be able to take the draw and stay in on the offensive end.”
Fellow sophomore midfielder/defenseman Brit Colangelo established herself as a defensive asset with 31 caused turnovers and 38 ground balls in 2024.
Stauffer asserted how critical Colangelo’s been to the Bonnies’ success.
“[Colangeo] is so athletic,” said Stauffer. “Watching her pick up ground balls and going for interceptions just speaks to her IQ and athletic ability. She gets the momentum going on the defensive end. She’s a huge pick-me-up for the whole team.”
Bonaventure plans to honor seven seniors after Saturday’s contest: attacker Kelsey Tiffany, midfielder Kassi Hogan, midfielder Jayne Manzelli, defensive Paige Szymusiak, attacker Riley Schott, attacker Callie Kessler and attacker Abby Hitz.
Stauffer said she has nothing but good things to say about the senior class.
“Riley shot to senior captain this year. She’s a bright lift of positivity for everybody,” said Stauffer. “Kassi breathes lacrosse and it shows when she plays on plays on the defensive end and the offensive end. Same thing goes for Abby Hitz. Callie takes her role and she owns it; she does it extremely well. Kelsey’s been awesome being a leader for the team.”
Opening draw starts at noon and the game can be streamed on ESPN+.
maierkj22@bonaventure.edu
