The College of Wooster women's lacrosse team faces a difficult journey to replicate last season's success, but it's a challenge they're ready to take on.
 
Last year's team became the program's winningest team after a 17-win season. They made their first trip to North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament since 2022 and capped their year not only by making their seventh NCAA DIII Championship appearance but capturing their first win with a 20-9 victory over Hope College in the first round.
 
Those who return saw the results of hard work. The mindset may have changed after seeing things pay off but for coach Elizabeth Ford, the process remains the same. 
 
"Our goals are always, when we step out together, to be competitive, be at the top - those are expressed constantly," Ford said. "It was a wonderful year, but it doesn't change what we have always done, what we push for and the way we coach."
 
While Wooster loses their top two point scorers to graduation in Kenzie Morris and Katilyn McBride, the Scots returns four who tallied at least 45 points and 38 goals a year ago in Brynne Snaguski, Bella Woodbury, Lizzie Hardy and Sophia Mellis.
 
Snaguski is the top returning scorer at 55 points and 46 goals scored.
 
Defensively, the team will look a bit different but will be led by a senior core of Sidney O'Rourke, Anna Mapes and Finnley Casey.
 
Those three make up 10 seniors on this year's roster, led by team captains Mapes, Woodbury and Hardy. Three first-years also join the roster, and Ford believes all three can make an impact on this year's team.
 
"We're asking a few people to step up differently," Ford said. "We're excited to see what they're going to be able to do. 
 
"Even though we have some newer kids, they're clicking pretty quickly. It'll be fun to see what they produce."
 
The goalkeeping unit stays intact, led by junior Audrey Richardson. Richardson started all 21 games last year and was named to the All-NCAC Tournament Team after averaging nine saves a game.
 
"She's been working hard even since she stepped foot on campus, and she's really excited to continue what she was capable of doing last year," Ford said. "It's going to be a different defense in front of her, but she's comfortable and confident in goal this year so I don't think it's going to deter her. "
 
The NCAC only gets stronger this year as John Carroll University joins the fold. The recent preseason coaches poll ranked Wooster second with 43 points, but only six points separated five of the conference's eight teams.
 
Denison, who gave Wooster two of its four losses last year, was voted the unanimous favorite with 64 points.
 
"With the addition of John Carroll, it just adds another super competitive program into the conference," Ford said. "There's about six or seven of us that can shake each other up so it will be interesting to see how it gets played out."
 
The women kick off the season on Feb. 21 with a trip to Kalamazoo College. Their home opener is the following Saturday on Feb. 28 against Capital University. Finally, NCAC play starts April 3 with a rematch of the NCAC Championship game when Denison comes to Papp Stadium for a 7 p.m. contest.