Experienced defense leads Hawks into 2019 season

Bunga Spencer and the Hawks open their season Saturday at Benedictine.

The Rockhurst women's lacrosse team kicks off their season Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Atchison, Kansas in a showdown with the Benedictine Ravens.

There's an excitement around the program as the Hawks look to be a contender in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference this season. Rockhurst returns key contributors from last year's team that finished above .500 on the season and qualified for the RMAC Tournament.

Among the returning leaders is Hanna Meek, reigning RMAC Defensive Player of the Year. The senior from Bucyrus, Kansas tallied 38 ground balls and 51 draw controls in 2018 and has been selected to the preseason All-RMAC team.

Bunga Spencer, a senior from Rockville, Maryland and second team All-RMAC performer last season, is also back to bolster the Hawks' stout defense. Spencer collected 42 ground balls and 27 draw controls in her junior campaign.

"Both [Meek and Spencer] are leaders of the defense and instrumental on the draw," Coach Molly McCourt said of the senior duo.

On the attacking end, the Hawks return Clare Goessling, fresh off a 22-goal sophomore season. The St. Louis native has been turning heads early in 2019. "Claire has really impressed us with her creativity and ability to score," McCourt said.

A newcomer to keep an eye on for the Hawks is freshman attacker Logan Derosia. "Logan will make an immediate impact due to her high lacrosse IQ and versatility," McCourt shared.

After Saturday's opener vs. Benedictine, the Hawks head to Florida for three games Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 14-16. They open at home Friday, Feb. 22 vs. Concordia-St. Paul at Bourke Field.

View the complete schedule here: https://rockhursthawks.com/schedule.aspx?path=wlx.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Clare Goessling: M; 5' 10"; Junior

#30 Hanna Meek: D; 5' 4"; Senior

#3 Bunga Spencer: D; 5' 2"; Senior

#4 Logan Derosia: A; 5' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#22 Clare Goessling
: 5' 10"; Junior
: M

#30 Hanna Meek
: 5' 4"; Senior
: D

#3 Bunga Spencer
: 5' 2"; Senior
: D

#4 Logan Derosia
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: A