BOSTON – The UMass Lowell women's lacrosse team was selected to finish third in the 2025 America East Preseason Coach's Poll, as announced by the league office on Wednesday afternoon.
 
The team turned in its most successful season in 2024, posting a 12-6 record on the way to its first playoff berth in program history. Returning the league's Rookie of the Year, an All-Conference First Team member, and two All-Conference Second Team members, reigning Coach of the Year Lisa Miller's squad received 25 points in this year's poll. The third-place ranking is the best preseason ranking since the program was established in 2015.
 
With 36 points and six first-place votes, Binghamton took home the top spot after earning its first America East Championship last season. Right behind them, UAlbany earned the second-place spot with 30 points, including one first-place vote. Behind the River Hawks, UMBC garnered 23 points, while Vermont (14), Bryant (13), and New Hampshire (6) rounded out the poll.
 
Alongside the poll, the conference released its first-ever Preseason All-Conference Team, which featured four River Hawks, tied for the most honorees for one team. Representing two of the five attack spots, senior Jade Catlin (Middletown, Md.) and sophomore Chloe Bowers (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) were recognized by the league, while junior Audra Hansen (Stamford, Conn.) and sophomore Jillian Goldie (Owen Sound, Ontario) each earned a spot on the team as midfielders.
 
"I'm grateful to have these four recognized for their hard work and competitive play by our peers," commented Miller. "They are excellent representatives of the culture and aspirations of the program. We anticipate a very competitive America East this spring and look forward to the continued growth of these four as leaders."
 
Coming off a career year in 2024, Catlin became one of three River Hawks to ever be named to the All-Conference First Team after scoring a program-record 48 goals and tying a program-best with 58 points. All over the stat sheet, Catlin finished with 63 draw controls to lead the team, as well as ranked second with 29 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers.
 
Bowers was quick to make a name for herself during her rookie year, tallying six points in her first game against Sacred Heart, setting the program record for most points in a debut. She kept that dominant pace going all season, tying Catlin for the program record with 48 goals and 58 points. Along the way, she was named the America East Rookie of the Week five times, the most weekly honors by a River Hawk, on her way to being named the 2024 America East Rookie of the Year, as well as being tabbed to the America East All-Conference Second Team and All-Rookie team.
 
Hansen, who wrapped up her sophomore campaign with an America East All-Championship Team and All-Conference Second Team nod, will look to continue to leave her mark on both ends of the field in 2025. Appearing in all 34 games in her career, including 32 starts, Hansen ranked top five on the team in points (36), caused turnovers (9) and ground balls (20) in 2024.  
 
Proving to be one of the best playmakers in the America East in her first season, Goldie finished last season fifth in the conference in assists per game (1.06), and first on the team with 19 total assists. A scoring threat as well, she finished the season with 31 goals, good for third on the team, earning her a spot on the America East All-Conference Second Team and All-Rookie Team.
 
Women's Lacrosse Preseason Poll
Pl.           School                                   Pts. (1^st)
1.             Binghamton                           36 (6)
2.             UAlbany                                 30 (1)
3.             UMass Lowell                        25
4.             UMBC                                    23
5.             Vermont                                 14
6.             Bryant                                    13
7.             New Hampshire                     6
 
Women's Lacrosse Preseason All-Conference
A             Emma Blloshmi (Binghamton)            
A             Chloe Bowers (UMass Lowell)
A             Grace Bruce (UMBC)                  
A             Jade Catlin (UMass Lowell)
A             Olivia Muscolino (Binghamton)          
M             Abigail Carroll (Binghamton)
M             Jillian Goldie (UMass Lowell)
M             Audra Hansen (UMass Lowell)
M             Grace McCauley (UAlbany)
M             Katana Nelson (UMBC)
D             Sabine Godwin (Vermont)
D             Ella Killian (UMBC)
D             Kaelynn O'Brien (Bryant)
D             Mackenzie Salentre (UAlbany)
D             Angelina Suau (Binghamton)
DC          Haley Phalines (UAlbany)
GK          Grace Cincebox (UAlbany)