Women lacrosse equipment. Women’s Lacrosse Equipment: Essential Gear and Rule Changes for Enhanced Gameplay

How have recent rule changes impacted women’s lacrosse. What equipment advancements are revolutionizing the sport. How are these changes promoting equality and faster-paced gameplay.

The Evolution of Women’s Lacrosse: Rule Changes and Their Impact

Women’s lacrosse has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with rule changes and equipment advancements reshaping the sport. These modifications have not only enhanced the game’s pace and strategy but also promoted equality among players. Let’s explore the key changes and their effects on the sport.

Free Movement: A Game-Changer for Pace and Strategy

One of the most impactful rule changes in women’s lacrosse is the introduction of free movement after the whistle. Previously, players were required to freeze in place whenever a whistle was blown. This new rule has revolutionized the game in several ways:

• Improved game flow and momentum
• Reduced long pauses during play
• Increased strategic opportunities for players
• Enhanced the need for quick thinking and decision-making

With free movement, players can now reposition themselves during dead ball situations, creating new tactical advantages for both offense and defense. This change has made the game more dynamic and engaging for both players and spectators.

Advancements in Women’s Lacrosse Equipment: Mesh Pockets and Beyond

Equipment innovations have played a crucial role in elevating the level of play in women’s lacrosse. The introduction of mesh pockets has been particularly transformative. How does mesh compare to traditional stringing?

• Provides a more consistent pocket depth
• Offers better ball control and feel
• Creates a lighter feel when cradling
• Produces a more pronounced whip effect when throwing
• Maintains its form better in various weather conditions

These advancements in equipment have opened up new possibilities for players to improve their skills and performance on the field. The mesh pocket’s durability and consistency allow players to focus more on their technique and strategy rather than constantly adjusting their equipment.

Promoting Equality: The 90-Second Shot Clock Rule

The introduction of the 90-second shot clock has been a significant step towards promoting equality in women’s lacrosse. How does this rule impact gameplay?

• Prevents teams from stalling or playing keep-away indefinitely
• Ensures a more active and engaging game for all players
• Encourages teams to advance the ball and create scoring opportunities
• Resets after any shot on goal or change of possession

This rule change has effectively eliminated the strategy of “stalling” to maintain a lead, making the game more competitive and exciting throughout its duration. The 90-second time frame provides ample opportunity for teams to execute their offensive plays while maintaining a sense of urgency.

Draw Control Changes: Leveling the Playing Field

Another rule change aimed at promoting fairness is the modification to the draw setup. The new requirement for sticks to be aligned parallel to the centerline during the draw has several implications:

• Eliminates the advantage of angling sticks to control draw direction
• Creates a more neutral starting position for both players
• Emphasizes player skill and reaction time over pre-draw positioning

This change ensures that the draw, a crucial aspect of the game, is conducted on a more level playing field. It places greater emphasis on the players’ abilities rather than pre-draw tactics, further promoting equality in the sport.

The Impact of Rule Changes on Player Development and Strategy

The recent rule changes in women’s lacrosse have had a profound impact on how players train and strategize. How have these modifications influenced player development?

• Increased focus on conditioning for faster-paced gameplay
• Greater emphasis on quick decision-making skills
• Development of more versatile players capable of adapting to fluid game situations
• Enhanced importance of team communication during free movement

Coaches and players alike have had to adapt their training regimens and game plans to accommodate these changes. The result has been a more dynamic and skilled player base, capable of executing complex strategies in real-time.

The Future of Women’s Lacrosse: Potential Innovations and Trends

As women’s lacrosse continues to evolve, what potential innovations and trends might we see in the coming years?

• Further advancements in stick technology and materials
• Increased use of data analytics for player performance and strategy
• Potential modifications to field dimensions or team sizes
• Growing emphasis on cross-training with other sports for improved athleticism
• Expansion of professional leagues and opportunities for women lacrosse players

The sport’s governing bodies will likely continue to assess and refine rules to enhance player safety, game flow, and overall spectator experience. As the sport gains popularity, we may also see increased media coverage and sponsorship opportunities, further elevating the profile of women’s lacrosse.

Choosing the Right Equipment: A Guide for Women Lacrosse Players

With the recent advancements in women’s lacrosse equipment, selecting the right gear has become increasingly important. What factors should players consider when choosing their equipment?

Sticks and Heads

• Pocket type: Mesh vs. traditional stringing
• Head shape: Narrower for attack, wider for defense
• Stick length: Based on position and personal preference
• Material: Composite vs. alloy shafts

Protective Gear

• Goggles: Fit and field of vision
• Mouthguard: Custom-fit vs. boil-and-bite options
• Gloves: Grip and flexibility
• Cleats: Turf vs. grass, ankle support

When selecting equipment, players should consider their position, playing style, and level of competition. It’s also crucial to ensure all gear meets current regulations and safety standards.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Women’s Lacrosse Performance

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in women’s lacrosse, both in terms of equipment and training methods. How is technology shaping the sport?

• Advanced materials in stick construction for improved performance
• Wearable technology for tracking player metrics and fatigue levels
• Video analysis software for technique refinement and strategy planning
• Virtual reality training simulations for off-field practice
• Improved protective gear designs for enhanced safety

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in women’s lacrosse. These developments will likely contribute to improved player performance, injury prevention, and overall game quality.

The Impact of Mesh Pockets on Shooting Accuracy

The introduction of mesh pockets in women’s lacrosse sticks has had a significant impact on shooting accuracy. How does mesh affect a player’s shot?

• Provides more consistent release points
• Allows for greater control over shot placement
• Enables players to generate more power in their shots
• Reduces the likelihood of errant shots due to pocket inconsistencies

Players who have switched to mesh pockets often report improved shooting accuracy and consistency. This advancement has raised the overall level of play and made scoring opportunities more exciting for both players and spectators.

Adapting to Free Movement: Strategies for Success

The free movement rule has necessitated new strategies for both offensive and defensive play. What tactics have emerged as a result of this change?

• Quick transitions from defense to offense
• Improved off-ball movement to create scoring opportunities
• More dynamic defensive setups to counter rapid offensive shifts
• Increased importance of field awareness and spatial recognition

Coaches are now emphasizing the importance of constant movement and quick decision-making in their training regimens. Players who can adapt quickly to changing game situations have a distinct advantage under the new rules.

The Psychological Impact of Rule Changes on Players

The recent rule changes in women’s lacrosse have not only affected the physical aspects of the game but also its psychological elements. How have these changes impacted players mentally?

• Increased need for mental agility and quick decision-making
• Greater emphasis on situational awareness
• Reduced stress from constant stopping and starting
• Enhanced focus on continuous play and strategy

Players now need to maintain a higher level of mental engagement throughout the game, as the faster pace and continuous movement require constant strategizing and adaptation. This has led to a more mentally challenging and rewarding experience for many players.

The Role of Conditioning in Modern Women’s Lacrosse

With the increased pace of play brought about by recent rule changes, conditioning has become more crucial than ever in women’s lacrosse. How has this impacted training regimens?

• Greater focus on endurance training
• Incorporation of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
• Emphasis on agility and quick-change-of-direction drills
• Integration of sport-specific strength training

Coaches are now designing training programs that mimic the fast-paced, continuous nature of the modern game. This has resulted in players who are better prepared for the physical demands of today’s women’s lacrosse.

The Evolution of Defensive Strategies in Women’s Lacrosse

The rule changes, particularly free movement and the shot clock, have necessitated a evolution in defensive strategies. What new defensive approaches have emerged?

• More aggressive ride-backs to counter quick transitions
• Increased use of zone defenses to cover space efficiently
• Development of hybrid man-to-man/zone defensive schemes
• Greater emphasis on forced turnovers to beat the shot clock

Defensive coaches have had to innovate to counter the advantages given to offenses by the new rules. This has led to more dynamic and varied defensive strategies, adding another layer of complexity to the game.

The Impact of Rule Changes on Goalie Play

Goalies have had to adapt significantly to the new rules in women’s lacrosse. How have these changes affected goalie play and training?

• Increased focus on quick clears to initiate fast breaks
• Greater emphasis on communication to organize defenses during free movement
• More aggressive play outside the crease to support defensive efforts
• Enhanced conditioning to maintain focus during longer periods of continuous play

The role of the goalie has expanded beyond simply stopping shots. Modern goalies in women’s lacrosse are now expected to be more active participants in both defensive setups and offensive transitions.

The Growing Popularity of Women’s Lacrosse: A Global Perspective

The recent rule changes and equipment advancements have contributed to the growing popularity of women’s lacrosse worldwide. How is the sport expanding globally?

• Increased participation in non-traditional lacrosse countries
• Growth of international tournaments and competitions
• Development of youth programs in emerging lacrosse nations
• Greater media coverage and visibility for the sport

As women’s lacrosse becomes more dynamic and exciting to watch, it’s attracting new players and fans around the world. This global growth is helping to elevate the sport’s profile and create new opportunities for players at all levels.

The Role of Analytics in Modern Women’s Lacrosse

With the sport’s evolution, analytics have become increasingly important in women’s lacrosse. How are teams and players utilizing data to improve performance?

• Tracking of advanced metrics like shot quality and possession time
• Use of heat maps to analyze player movements and tendencies
• Implementation of predictive models for game strategy
• Performance optimization through individualized data analysis

Analytics are helping coaches and players make more informed decisions both in training and during games. This data-driven approach is contributing to the overall advancement of strategy and player development in women’s lacrosse.

The Future of Women’s Lacrosse Equipment: Innovations on the Horizon

As technology continues to advance, what future innovations might we see in women’s lacrosse equipment?

• Smart sticks with embedded sensors for performance tracking
• Advanced materials for lighter, more durable protective gear
• Customizable stick heads for personalized playing experiences
• Eco-friendly equipment options to promote sustainability

The future of women’s lacrosse equipment looks promising, with potential innovations that could further enhance player performance, safety, and the overall quality of the game. As these advancements continue, they will likely shape the evolution of the sport in exciting new ways.

Women’s Lacrosse Rule Changes And Effects 

Last Modified: January 21, 2023 Posted By: Mary Manos

Benefits of the Women’s Lacrosse Rule Changes

After this season’s major changes to women’s lacrosse, we can take a step back and see how these changes have affected the game. Some major changes from our previous article Women’s Lacrosse Rules & Changes include free movement, 90-second shot clock, changes to the draw, and new equipment options. It was an adjustment for all players, but one that made women’s lacrosse more of a modern game. These changes have greatly progressed women’s lacrosse in three key areas: game pace, equipment advances, and equality.

Women’s lacrosse is now a faster paced game

Free movement after the whistle has been the biggest change for the pace of game. Before this season, players were trained to freeze any time a whistle was blown. Any call like a foul, time-out, or a ref’s call immediately meant stopping. With the new rule, players have the freedom to move and keep the game going.

Being able to move on the whistle has helped reduce long pauses that ruined momentum during games. The rule has also increased the need for strategizing during dead balls. With this rule in place, when refs call a foul, players that aren’t being penalized may move freely for a better position. Free movement can then help a team get back on D, or cheat up the field for an easy goal. This new rule has not only lessened the time breaks during the game, but has caused players to think quicker and strategize more efficiently.

Equipment is advancing the level of play in women’s lacrosse

The biggest equipment change in women’s lacrosse is women’s lacrosse mesh! Mesh pockets and stringing have been a big game changer for women everywhere. If you haven’t been able to pick up a piece of women’s lacrosse mesh, there are many possible options for you. Cutting men’s lacrosse mesh into a runner is one choice, or you could check out StringKing.

You must still follow the rules of pocket depth and ball movement, but mesh offers many advantages. The mesh creates a freer environment for the ball to rest in, and provides more immediate control. The mesh heads help the ball feel light with cradling and creates a bigger whip effect when throwing the ball.

The depth of a mesh pocket is also harder to change, which is an appealing feature to players. With traditional stringing, there are many factors that can contribute to a pocket size becoming illegal. Even if you just spent hours trying to tighten all your knots and have a legal pocket, a quick rainstorm can ruin all that.

For the most part, a mesh pocket upholds its form much better against weather and hard passes. In combination, the form and lighter feel that a mesh pocket offers is a whole new opportunity for success. This could just be the change you needed to become an elite player, or just another option for you.

Womens lax & equality among players

Seasoned players have all experienced that game when the other team’s strategy is to “stall” or play keep away from the other team. They never advance the ball to the cage, and they hang back for an easy win.

This strategy is officially revoked thanks to the new 90-second shot clock rule. Once possession is earned by a team, the clock starts a 90-second countdown that they must score within. Many were weary of the rule before trying it out, but quickly realized a minute and a half is a pretty large amount of time to score a goal. This rule evened the playing field, no longer allowing teams to stall for large amounts of time. The clock resets after any shot on goal, or change of possession.

There is also a new rule change to the set-up of the draw and how that will affect equality on the field. Sticks between players taking the draw now have to be aligned parallel to the centerline. This eliminates draw-takers setting up their sticks at an angle, which can give an advantage in controlling where the draw will go.

Women’s sticks and gear are Now Available at Stringers Lacrosse Shop!

Don’t wait any longer to get the best-in-class women’s lacrosse products – visit The Stringers Lacrosse Shop today to find the gear you need! Get ready for the season with top-of-the-line sticks, cleats, and more at unbeatable prices.

About Mary Manos

Lacrosse for me began as something all of my best friends did, so naturally, I took a plunge and joined to see what all the hype was about. Not long after, I found I was able to quickly and easily connect with the game and from there fell in love. I have continued my lacrosse career into college and feel blessed to still be enjoying and learning from the game every day.

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Missy Doherty – Women’s Lacrosse Coach

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Phone: 814-863-7476 | Email: mhd14@psu. edu | @CoachDohertyPSU

2015 BIG TEN COACH OF THE YEAR

2015 ECAC COACH OF THE YEAR

2015 IWLCA REGIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

12 NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (8 AT PENN STATE)

5 CONFERENCE TITLES (2 AT PENN STATE)

36 IWLCA ALL-AMERICANS

44 IWLCA ALL-REGION SELECTIONS

58 ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

9 CONFERENCE MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

33 IWLCA HONOR ROLL SELECTIONS

 

Head coach Missy Doherty completed her 13th year at Penn State in 2023. Doherty’s guidance has seen Penn State reach eight NCAA Tournaments and four NCAA Quarterfinals in that time span, including Penn State’s first National Semifinal appearance in 17 years during the 2016 season. Doherty guided the Nittany Lions back to the National Semifinal in 2017.

Doherty coached the Nittany Lions to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 in the 2023 season. Penn State finished 11-7 on the year with ranked wins over No. 17 Rutgers, No. 14 Princeton and No. 10 Maryland. The Nittany Lions had two first team All-Big Ten honorees, Kristin O’Neill and Ellie Hollin as well as four second team selections, Sammy Dupcak, Kayla Abernathy, Gretchen Gilmore and Meghan Murray. O’Neill (first team), Dupcak (second team) and Hollin (second team) also earned All-Region honors. O’Neill (third team), Hollin (honorable mention) and Gilmore (honorable mention) also garnered All-American status from USA Lacrosse.

O’Neill added to her honors by being named to the Tewaarton Watch List and was a IWLCA Mid-Season All-American along with Dupcak. The junior led the Nittany Lions in points (59) and goals (51), while earning her 100th career goal in a 15-12 win against Pittsburg on March 21, 2023.

Penn State finished the 2022 season 6-9 overall including a 14-10 win over No. 21 James Madison. On Feb. 23, Missy notched her 200th career win as Penn State defeated Duquesne 18-4 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Nittany Lions had two All-Big Ten selections in Kristin O’Neill (First Team) and Sammy Dupcak (Second Team). Both student-athletes were tabbed All-Region selections as well, as O’Neill took First Team honors and Dupcak earned Second Team honors. 

 

The Nittany Lions went 4-9 in 2021 with three of their four wins coming against Top 20 opponents. Penn State earned victories over Rutgers (20-11), No. 7 Maryland (15-13), No. 13 Michigan (13-12) and No. 9 Maryland (16-9). Penn State finished the season ranked No. 21 in the IWLCA Poll, after being ranked the entire season and rising as high as No. 5. Penn State had the second-ranked offense in the Big Ten, averaging 12.77 goals per game.

 

Penn State had four All-Big Ten selections, including Olivia Dirks (First Team) and Maria Auth, Sammy Helgeson and Kristin O’Neill (Second Team). Auth led the Nittany Lions in points (46) and goals (34), while Helgeson had 14 ground balls and nine caused turnovers as a leader of the defense.

 

Dirks was named Penn State’s second Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and received three All-America awards: IWLCA First Team, Inside Lacrosse Second Team, and USA Lacrosse Magazine Second Team. She led the blue and white in draw controls (78) and caused turnovers (18) and adding 31 goals and 12 assists. Dirks was selected an Inside Lacrosse Midseason All-American and was a Tewaaraton Award nominee. She won two Big Ten Midfielder of the Week awards, one Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor and was the IWLCA Offensive Player of the Week after leading Penn State to their February 21 win over Maryland.

 

O’Neill was tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Penn State’s second to win the award. O’Neill recorded 29 goals, eight assists and 15 caused turnovers in her first season in Happy Valley. She won Big Ten Freshman of the Week five times out of the nine weeks the award was given out.

 

Taylor Suplee ranked third in the Big Ten in saves per game (8.08) and save percentage (.408). She was also third in the conference in ground balls per game (2.83). Suplee had six games with 10 or more saves, including 14 saves in a win over Maryland on February 21. She also had 12 saves in a win against Rutgers (2/14) and 13 in a victory against Michigan (3/21). Suplee made 12 stops at Northwestern (3/13) and 10 in each game against Ohio State (3/26, 3/28). She was the IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week following the win over Maryland. She was also a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week selection.

Doherty led the Nittany Lions to a 5-2 record in 2020 before the season was canceled on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Nittany Lions began the season with four straight wins, defeating Towson (12-9), Lehigh (13-9), Duquesne (20-6) and Cornell (19-9).  Penn State finished the season with a 14-13 victory at Vanderbilt.

 

The Nittany Lions were very strong on the defensive end, ranking fourth in the nation in save percentage (.531).  Penn State was also 23rd in the country in caused turnovers per game with 10.0.  The Nittany Lions allowed 12.0 goals per game, ranking fourth in the Big Ten.

 

Penn State’s defense was led by sophomore goalie Taylor Suplee, who earned honorable-mention All-American honors from Inside Lacrosse. Suplee led the Big Ten and ranked second in the nation averaging 12.43 saves per game. She held fifth in the nation with 87 saves and seventh with a .527 save percentage. Suplee ranked fourth in the Big Ten with a 12.27 goals-against average.  Against Cornell, Suplee made 20 saves, becoming the first PSU goalie to record 20 saves since Cammie Jurkowsky made 20 saves against North Carolina on April 6, 2007.

 

On the offensive end, the Nittany Lions averaged 13.71 goals per game, good for third in the Big Ten. Penn State was also third in the conference averaging 5.29 assists per game. The Nittany Lions ranked 18th in the nation in shot percentage (.480) and 14th in the country in free position percentage (.544). 

 

Senior attacker Maria Auth ranked fifth in the Big Ten with 22 goals and third with 3.14 goals per game. She finished fourth in the conference with 33 points and 4.71 points per game. Auth led the Big Ten and ranked fifth in the country averaging 1. 57 free position goals per game.  Junior Sophia Triandafils ranked 10th in the Big Ten averaging 3.14 points per game.

In 2019, the Nittany Lions went 8-9, including a 3-3 mark in Big Ten play, and reached the Big Ten semifinals.  Penn State earned wins over No. 11 Towson and No. 21 Johns Hopkins. The Nittany Lions won four of their final six games of the regular season. 

Penn State played its first season in Panzer Stadium, opening the venue with a 15-5 win over Lehigh. The Nittany Lions won five games at home, including victories against Towson (13-7), Lehigh (15-5), Albany (11-9), Ohio State (21-5) and Rutgers (18-7).  Three Nittany Lions earned All-Big Ten honors, including junior Maria Auth and seniors Kayla Brisolari and Reilly Masterson. Brisolari and Masterson collected IWLCA All-Region selections. Brisolari was selected for the IWLCA Senior All-Star Game and was drafted No. 12 overall in the WPLL Draft by the WPLL Brave.

Brisolari led the Big Ten with 1.53 caused turnovers per game.   Auth led the Nittany Lions with 46 points (32 goals, 14 assists), while junior Quinn Nicolai led the squad with 34 goals.  Brisolari added 31 goals, while pacing PSU with 37 ground balls, 73 draw controls and 26 caused turnovers. Freshman Taylor Suplee ranked second in the Big Ten in saves per game (9.71), third in saves (165) and third in save percentage (.481). 

In 2018, Doherty led her team to an NCAA Tournament appearance for the seventh- straight year.  The Nittany Lions went 10-10 and reached the Big Ten Championship game.  Penn State went 3-3 in Big Ten play.  The Nittany Lions knocked off four ranked opponents, including No. 17 Cornell, No. 22 Johns Hopkins, No. 6 Virginia and No. 7 Northwestern.

The Nittany Lions tied the team record with 303 goals in 2018.  Three Nittany Lions earned IWLCA All-America honors, including senior Katie O’Donnell (first team), junior Madison Carter (second team) and Kayla Brisolari (third team).  O’Donnell was a second-team All-America selection by Inside Lacrosse and was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, the first in program history, before being drafted fourth overall by the New England Command in the WPLL Draft. O’Donnell finished her career fourth all-time at Penn State in goals (203) and sixth in points (227).  Carter and Brisolari joined O’Donnell as All-Big Ten and All-Region selections. Carter led PSU with 62 goals and Brisolari had 10 goals and 76 draw controls. Auth led the team with 71 points, including 54 goals.

In 2017, Doherty’s team went 17-4, finishing second in the Big Ten and securing the second-most victories in program history and the most since 1989 when Penn State went 19-1. Doherty coached three IWLCA All-Americans during the 2017 season including the program’s 43rd first-team All-American, Steph Lazo, and the first in 13 seasons. O’Donnell and Carter earned second-team recognition.

The Nittany Lions reached the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second straight season, making back-to-back appearances for the first time since a three-year span from 1995-97, and captured the program’s most wins since 1999.

The Nittany Lions set program records for goals with 303 and points with 427 while their 124 assists were the second-most in a single-season in program history. Penn State earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and hosted the first three rounds and advanced to its 11th Final Four in program history at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

In 2016, Doherty’s team went 14-7 finishing second in the Big Ten, but were upset in the first round of the Big Ten Championship Tournament by Northwestern, 9-6. Her squad earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and immediately caught fire outscoring their opponents 38-23 en route to the Final Four where they came up just one goal shy, bowing out to eventual National Champion North Carolina, 12-11. Doherty coached Carter to the 2016 Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor while two players earned IWLCA All-America status and five earned IWLCA All-Region accolades. Penn State finished fourth in the final IWLCA national poll.

Doherty led her Nittany Lion teams to double-digit wins each year her first eight seasons at the University Park campus including a 16-5 mark in 2015 while capturing the Big Ten Tournament Championship with a 13-11 victory over Ohio State.

During that 2015 season, Doherty earned Big Ten Coach of the Year, ECAC Coach of the Year and IWLCA Regional Coach of the Year accolades Penn State went 13-1 late in the season to reach the NCAA Quarterfinals and narrowly missed the program’s first national semifinal appearance in 16 years. Doherty coached three IWLCA All-Americans, six IWLCA All-Region players and five All-Big Ten honorees including Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Emi Smith.

PSU made seven-straight NCAA appearances, from 2012 to 2018, under Doherty’s watch, the most consecutive appearances at Penn State since 1993. The 16 wins in 2015 were the most since the 1989 National Championship.

Following a pair of NCAA Quarterfinals appearances in 2012 and 2013, Doherty guided her Nittany Lions to a 10-8 overall mark and a third NCAA Tournament showing in 2014.

During Doherty’s third year at the program’s helm in 2013, Penn State continued its national ascension. Penn State, which went 14-7, also claimed a share of its first American Lacrosse Conference (ALC) regular-season championship with a 4-1 conference mark.

Under her guidance, Penn State defeated its highest ranked opponent since 2007 with a 16-11 upset victory against then-No. 2 Florida. The Nittany Lions, who were ranked as high as No. 6 for the first time since 2007, also finished a perfect 9-0 at home to complete their first undefeated home campaign since 1991.

In 2012, Doherty led Penn State to a 12-7 record, earning the program’s most wins since 2005 and its third consecutive double-digit win season. Five of those wins came against ranked opponents, including three versus top-10 teams. Penn State excelled on the road in 2012, registering eight victories, the most by the Nittany Lions since the 1989 National Championship team. Penn State received an at-large bid to the 2012 NCAA Championship, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1999.

In her first season at the helm of the collegiate women’s lacrosse’s second-winningest program, Doherty led the Penn State to a 10-8 record and a second-place finish in the ALC. The Nittany Lions knocked off four ranked opponents during the regular season and advanced to the semifinals of the ALC Championship.

In seven years at Towson, Doherty built the Tigers into one of the top teams in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and into a nationally recognized and competitive program. At Towson, she posted an impressive 79-46 (.632) record, including five seasons with 13 or more victories, and led it to three CAA Tournament championships (2005, 2008-09) and a share of one CAA regular-season title (2008). Doherty coached six All-Americans during her tenure, including Towson’s first three-time honoree in program history.

In 2010, Doherty guided Towson to a season of unprecedented success, as the Tigers earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history and received their first top 10 national ranking in the IWLCA Division I poll.

Prior to arriving at Towson, Doherty had a successful six-year stretch as an assistant coach at three different schools. At Princeton University, she was an integral member of the coaching staff that led the Tigers to NCAA Championships in 2002 and 2003. During Doherty’s tenure, Princeton compiled a 49-9 record and captured three straight Ivy League crowns.

Doherty also served two seasons at Brown University (1999-2000) after starting her coaching career at Vanderbilt in 1998.

A 1997 graduate of the University of Maryland, Doherty (nee Holmes) was a four-year letter winning defender, helping the Terrapins claim three NCAA Championships. Maryland was a dominant force in collegiate women’s lacrosse during her career, amassing a remarkable 68-2 record, including an NCAA record 50-game winning streak. Also a standout in the classroom, Doherty was a three-time honoree on the ACC Academic Honor Roll. In 2010, Doherty earned a master’s degree in biology from Towson University.

The former Missy Holmes, she is married to Brian Doherty. The couple has two sons, Evan and Nathan.

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