Season Review: Women's Lacrosse shows growth during 2017 campaign

By Caleb Scott

ADA — The Ohio Northern women's lacrosse team showed a great amount of growth during the second year of the program in 2017 under 2nd-year head coach Beth Hemminger.

Although Northern posted a 3-13 record overall, the Polar Bears saw tremendous improvement in only the programs second season as a varsity sport.

Sophomore Emily Hershberger (Jackson Township/Jackson) was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio Athletic Conference for her efforts on the field in 2017.

Hershberger, a defender, was second on the team with 20 caused turnovers and was third with 34 ground balls this season.

She will enter her junior season as ONU's all-time career leader with 44 caused turnovers and is second with 69 ground balls.

Junior Chelsea Cousins (Lewis Center/Olentangy) earned Academic All-OAC honors for the Polar Bears.

Freshman Rachel Shipman (Noblesville, Ind.) set ONU individual game records for the Polar Bears in 2017 in assists and points.

The freshman tallied nine assists and totaled 10 points during Ohio Northern's 18-4 victory over Heidelberg.

Shipman and sophomore Maddie Storr (Clarence, N.Y.) set an individual school record for Northern as the duo each caused six turnovers each in Northern's season-opening 10-4 victory over Franciscan.

As a team, Northern set single game records in goals (18), assists (9) and points (27) during its victory over Heidelberg.

The 2017 squad also set single season records in assists (30), points (167) and saves (170).

Northern would open its season with a convincing 10-4 victory over Franciscan at Dial-Roberson Stadium.

From there, Northern would battle numerous injuries before falling in eight straight contests.

After falling to Mount Union in its OAC season opener, Northern would win two of its next three contests with victories over Wilmington and Heidelberg.

From there, Northern would end the season with four consecutive losses.