2023 Women's Top 30: How UConn Fared vs. Projections

Before USA Lacrosse Magazine looks ahead to what’s to come in 2024, our team of staff and contributors decided it was worth taking one last look at 2023.

After all, you have to look at the most recent results before making projections for what’s to come. To do that, we’re taking a journey through the top 30 teams in men’s and women’s lacrosse — what went right, what went wrong and what we should all think of that team’s season.

Was it a success? A failure? A mixture of both? You’ll find out our thoughts over the next month or so.

UCONN WOMEN’S LACROSSE

Nike/USA Lacrosse Preseason/Final Top 20 Ranking: NR/Unranked (also considered)
2023 record: 12-7 (4-2 Big East)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The first season in the post-Sydney Watson era of UConn lacrosse went mostly how the past several seasons — with UConn in the hunt for an NCAA tournament berth. The Huskies ultimately got one, latching on to wins over Marquette and Yale to boost their resume. Landyn White was exceptional for a defense that ranked 56th nationally, making 197 saves (52.4 percent) and earning honorable mention All-America honors.

UConn’s attack was sensational, getting at least 33 points from Kate Shaffer (83), Lia LaPrise (65), Grace Coon (54), Rayea Davis (36) and Susan Lafountain (33). Davis, a redshirt freshman in 2023, figures to be a cornerstone moving forward.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The shortcomings came mostly on the defensive end, as UConn allowed double-digit goals in all but five games. Even some of their wins (18-17 over Fairfield and 17-16 over Marquette are just two examples) were high-scoring affairs. A lesser issue, but one nonetheless, came on the draw, where UConn ranked 40th nationally, tied with Coastal Carolina with 14.58 draw wins per game. Their draw percentage (49.7 percent) was worse at No. 60 nationally.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

It was probably UConn’s 17-16 win over Marquette on May 5 in the Big East semifinals that secured an NCAA tournament berth for the Huskies. Marquette was one of the season’s biggest surprises, entering play at 15-2, but UConn withstood a seven-goal rally in the second half and then leaned on Grace Coon for the winner with 2:26 left.

VERDICT

Despite the graduation of one of the best players in program history, UConn did what it has done the past few seasons — fight for an NCAA tournament berth in a highly competitive conference. For that reason, consider it a successful spring in Storrs.