College lacrosse is back. As perhaps the most anticipated season in NCAA history approaches, we’re featuring every team ranked in the Nike/US Lacrosse Preseason Top 20.

Check back to USLaxMagazine.com each weekday for new previews, scouting reports and rival analysis.

Loyola graduated star players in 2019, Hannah Powers, Lindsey Ehrhardt, Taylor VanThof and Kady Glynn chief among them. By some accounts, 2020 could have been a rebuilding year. The team was left with many young players, staring down big shoes to fill.

Four of Loyola’s first five games last season were against ranked opponents, two of which were ranked higher than the Greyhounds. Some speculated that all of this would add up to a slow start to the year for the new-look Greyhounds.

Things could not have been much different. 

Loyola cruised through Johns Hopkins, Towson and Penn State and also beat Florida and Penn, the two teams on their schedule ranked ahead of them at the time. The Florida game was a statement game, as the Greyhounds topped the Gators by more than 10 goals.

In what ended up being their final game of 2020 Loyola topped Penn 19-15. Loyola jumped eight spots in the rankings from No. 11 to No. 3 when all was said and done. 

From head coach Jen Adams’ perspective, losing graduating established stars was a blessing in disguise. It stripped away some of the pressure the team felt. 

“Just go out there, live in the moment, be present, have fun with it and see what happens,” Adams said of the new team motto. 

There were lowered expectations for the team to perform well, which ironically helped them play better. Star attacker Livy Rosenzweig agreed, saying the team would set a standard for a game, live up to that standard and then raise the bar higher.

“A big theme for that season was to take one game at a time, control the controllables and play our best Loyola lacrosse,” she said.  

This theme will be carried on and continued into 2021. The team will play with a sense of purpose and strip away the pressure. 

This motto has become increasingly true with the reality of this year’s situation. Like last March, when the COVID-19 pandemic was taking shape in this country, any game could be the last. Adams said the abrupt ending to last spring led to her players cultivating a different perspective when it comes to lacrosse.

“I think we all appreciate the opportunity to be in a locker room together, to share the little moments and have some of that back,” Adams said. “It was an identity that was stripped from us … having that taken away was a real eye-opener for our girls and certainly for me as a coach.” 

In essence, the goal Adams has for this season is twofold.

“You want to win championships, you want to win your conference, but for me ... I just want my players to have the best experience, to leave with good memories and to feel like that bucket is full for the 2021 season,” Adams said. 

This mindset, that involves keeping gratitude at the forefront of everything, is a mindset that has not been lost on the players. 

“I think that we're just going to be really grateful to be out there and have a lot of fun and then also you know hopefully win some games while doing it,” Rosenzweig said. 

TOP RETURNERS

Livy Rosenzweig, A, Sr.

Rosenzweig led the team in points (27) and assists (17) in the shortened 2020 season. The team’s offensive quarterback is known for her selflessness and is always looking to draw a double (or triple) and then dish the ball off to one of her teammates. 

Jillian Wilson, M, Jr.

The player who can be counted on to be successful in any role she is placed in. Wilson is given defensive matchups, takes the draw and is an offensive threat. One of the most versatile players on the field.  

Katie Detwiler, D, Jr.

Loyola’s captain on the defensive end. She was just one of three sophomores in the country to be named to the Tewaaraton Watch List. In order to score against Loyola this year, make no mistake, you’ll have to get through Detwiler first. Oh, and then you’ll have to shoot on Kaitlyn Larsson. Good luck with that.  

KEY ADDITION

Catie Corolla, M, So.

As a freshman, Corolla saw limited time in all five games. Because of the way she fits in with this year’s midfield group, she is expected to see a lot more time and play a key role between the 30s.

ENEMY LINES

“They put an amazing team together. I think their offense was really clicking last year, and they developed some great chemistry and they've done it as a full team effort. I think more than most teams, they've been able to to really gel and come together and take their game to the next level.” 

“They’re a final four team. They have the athleticism, the skill set. They’re going to build upon last year’s momentum and keep that going.” 

NUMBERS GAME

134
Total career assists for Livy Rosenzsweig in just 47 games played, averaging to almost 3 assists per game. The high number of assists is further proof of the selflessness evident in her play.