By: Mary Sosebee

High Point University’s Women’s Lacrosse team is known as a powerhouse in the Big South Conference and in national standings because of their four consecutive conference championships prior to 2022. This end to HPU’s dominance resulted from their loss in the Big South Championship in 2022, which came as a shock. In Mercer’s debut season as Big South Conference members and champions, the Bears went on to earn their first NCAA Tournament appearance. However, the HPU Women’s Lacrosse team is preparing to take back their legacy
as the best of the Big South.

“It stinks a lot,” said team captain and returning fifth-year senior, Mena Loescher. “I hate being there but it’s definitely going to make us work a lot harder.”

Loescher is taking on more responsibility this year than was required of her as an underclassman, consisting of holding captain-led practices and film sessions for her teammates outside of their practice time. Individually, she is also dedicating additional time working with
Coaches Lyndsey Boswell and Darla Poulin to perfect her offensive footwork and precision of shooting.

Loescher’s commitment to her team has been recognized by the Big South Conference as she earned Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and Preseason All Conference Team honors.

Not only has the Big South recognized Loescher’s impressive statistics, but her teammates alsopredict the high scoring player to perform well this season.

“Mena is one of the most hard working teammates I have ever had,” said HPU Women’s Lacrosse player Grace Bruce. “She is going to be a huge part of directing everyone on attack this year with some of the other fifth-years leading too.”

HPU brought in several other accolades in addition to Loescher, showing the Big South Conference is expecting big things from the Panthers in 2023.

Returning fifth-year senior and midfielder, Emma Genovese, and fifth year senior goalkeeper, Taylor Suplee, earned Preseason All Conference Team with Loescher. Though Genovese and Suplee are not named captains on the team, their veteran experience and desire to earn one
final championship ring proves they will be leaders on the field this season. Both players set high standards for fitness, stickwork and sacrifice throughout training this fall that is carrying over into preseason training.

“We know we can get back to that spot,” said Suplee. “It takes full commitment from everyone on the team day in and day out, but it’s going to be worth it when we storm the field at the end of that championship game this year.”

According to Suplee, everything her teammates are doing in the preseason with the intention of earning back the No 1. seed in the Big South. The Panthers’ first step back to the top will take place on Feb. 11, 2023 against Davidson College at Vert Stadium.