The Rockhurst women's lacrosse team opens the 2026 season on Sunday at Quincy with plenty of optimism after winning a school-record 13 games last year and playing in its first NCAA Tournament. The Hawks finished third in the GLVC Preseason Coaches' Poll and received votes in the IWLCA DII Preseason Poll.

Rockhurst returns four all-conference honorees from last year, highlighted by senior attacker Elise Magee, who led the Hawks with 51 and 60 points, and sophomore midfielder Kylee Pickens, who was named the GLVC Freshman of the Year and led D2 in draw controls per game (9.29 per game).

Molly McCourt, who was named the 2025 GLVC Coach of the Year, enters her 12th season with a 93-76 career record. She assesses her team heading their first game.

What are the strongest areas on your team?
MM: "Our players are goal-oriented, focused, and genuinely care about each other. This is a team that plays for the collective and holds itself to high standards, while still having a lot of fun together. They push each other, support each other, and enjoy the process. Beyond the character of our group, our depth is a major strength. Having the best draw taker (Kylee Pickens) in the country gives us a significant possession advantage, and pairing that with a midfield unit that is singularly focused and committed will be difficult for opponents to match."

Who are your top returnees and team leaders?
MM: "We return preseason Second Team All-American Kylee Pickens, who led the NCAA in draw controls per game and was named GLVC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-GLVC. Kylee impacts the game in every facet, not just on the draw, and I expect her to be even more productive offensively this season. Also returning in the midfield is captain Page Yehling, a Second Team All-GLVC selection. Page is a do-it-all leader who always seems to be in the right place at the right time and makes an impact all over the field. Kaylee Lary continues to grow and has become a more well-rounded midfielder who will play an important role for us. Anna Loeffelman will also contribute as an offensive threat, especially in and around the crease.

"In attack, we return our leading scorer and Second Team All-GLVC selection, Elise Magee. Elise has a great nose for the cage, is an extremely smart player, and brings a real love for the game that lifts everyone around her. Rhea Spiers, Katie Morgenthaler and Kharis Perona will also contribute significantly on the offensive end.

"Defensively, we are led by Abby Gerstner and Chony Garza. Gerstner has been a consistent and reliable presence, earning All-GLVC honors as well. We are excited to add Ayana Bougie-Martinez to the defense after spending her first two seasons in the midfield."

Who are your top newcomers?
MM: "We added two strong goalkeepers in Courtney Miller, a transfer from Limestone, and freshman Kayla Stewart from Port Coquitlam, Canada. They bring different strengths, and are both excellent shot stoppers. In the midfield, we welcome reigning St. Louis Player of the Year Abby Finnegan, who excels on ground balls and brings loads of creativity—she'll be a fun player to watch. On defense, freshman Cheyanne Devine brings tremendous energy and competitiveness and should challenge opponents right away.""

What are your team goals this year?
MM: "We had a strong season last year and want to exceed expectations again. We believe we have a team capable of returning to the NCAA Tournament and making an even deeper run."

How do you like your schedule, especially early in the season?
MM: "Our strength of schedule is very high, with challenging competition in places like North Carolina and Colorado. We have several road games, including a few in a short window, which will test us early, but we see that as an opportunity to grow and prepare for postseason play."