US Lacrosse Magazine released the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Women’s Preseason Top 20 on Jan. 8. Team-by-team previews will be unveiled on uslaxmagazine.com throughout January and will also appear as part of the magazine’s NCAA preview edition that mails to US Lacrosse members Feb. 1 — opening day of the 2018 college lacrosse season.

No. 2 Stony Brook

2017 Record: 20-3 (6-0 America East)
Coach: Joe Spallina (7th year)

All-Time Record: 166-100
NCAA Appearances: 5
Final Fours: 0
Championships: 0

May Madness may seem far into the future, but for Stony Brook, it’s been ever-present since it was awarded hosting duties for the 2018 NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse championship in 2016.

As Stony Brook coach Joe Spallina likes to say, there’s no hiding from it.

The last time the Long Island school hosted was in 2012 after being awarded the rights for the first time in 2011. As a well-known hotbed, Kenneth P. Lavalle Stadium, home of the Seawolves, drew two of the six largest crowds in the championship game’s history.

Since Spallina took the head coaching position in June 2011, he set his sights high on hoisting the coveted trophy and made sure his players knew his expectations.

“I’ve talked about a national championship since I got to Stony Brook,” Spallina said. “It’s not something I’ve ever hid from. That never changes because when we are really ready for it, it’s not something our kids are going to panic about when they hear or read it.”

And now Stony Brook is more ready than ever.

With 28 of its 33 players hailing from New York, NCAA hosting rights for the 2018 season provide an extra edge for a team that returns the No. 1 defense in the country and three 100-point scorers, including Kylie Ohlmiller, Taryn Ohlmiller and Courtney Murphy, the latter now healthy after an ACL injury. On paper, the Seawolves appear poised for a run to the title game on their home turf.

“The final four is in our building and we’re equipped,” Spallina said. “The last time Stony Brook hosted, it wasn’t realistic for us to be in that game. But now when you look at our situation with the players we have and the experience we have, obviously a lot of focus goes in that direction.”

The Seawolves just lost two games last season, first to Florida, then to national champion Maryland by just one goal. They led the Terps in almost every statistical category with a lead at halftime.

“When we had the ball, we had our way,” Spallina said.

For the first time, Spallina believes Stony Brook “will operate as a full outfit” with each position complimenting the other. It’s about finally putting together a complete picture.

“We don’t have one of the top 50 or 100 recruits coming out of high school, but we have a top five team,” Spallina said. “It’s how you lead, not necessarily how you get there. It’s our mantra, our attitude and our chip on our shoulder.”

The Case For Stony Brook

There’s no question Stony Brook returns one of the strongest teams in the nation. Two record breakers, Kylie Ohlmiller, who set the Division I single-season points record in 2017, and Courtney Murphy who set the NCAA goals record in 2016, will set the tone. Kylie’s sister Taryn is also back after a 101-point season, as well as top draw specialist Keri McCarthy. The No. 1 defense and No. 3 offense in the country bodes well for a team that didn’t graduate many and will host the NCAA final four. 

The Case Against Stony Brook

The Seawolves’ biggest losses are midfielders Dorrien Van Dyke, who finished third in points, and Kristin Yevoli, who was second in draw controls. Spallina has plans in place for players to step in their shoes, but the draw as a whole remains a big question mark. It was the one area that blatantly stood out in the quarterfinal loss to Maryland. The Terps had a 19-7 edge. “I think personally we wore out in that game in the sense we didn’t have the ball enough,” Spallina said. “I have both my assistants working tirelessly on that.”

Path to the Playoffs

As the five-time reigning America East champion with its biggest competition in Albany, Stony Brook’s non-conference schedule will provide the means necessary for a competitive bid in the NCAA tournament. The season starts in California against the Pac-12’s top teams, USC and Stanford, followed by Denver and Northwestern. If all goes well, a win in an April tilt against Penn State could solidify a seed and a potential first-round bye for the Seawolves.

Players To Watch

Brooke Gubitosi, D, R-Sr.
55 CT, 46 GB

For the No. 1 defense in the country, the redshirt senior unquestionably leads the way. Gubitosi sat fifth in Division I last season with 2.75 caused turnovers per game. She was a first-team All-American and America East Defensive Player of the Year.

Courtney Murphy, A, R-Sr.
100 G, 64.9 SH% (2016)

Murphy penned an open blog recounting her tough path to recovery since tearing her ACL, later telling US Lacrosse Magazine that she wanted to write her own ending. Setting the NCAA goals record in 2016 was a highlight of her career, but hoisting a trophy in LaValle Stadium would be better, she said.

Kylie Ohlmiller, A, Sr.
164 PTS, 54.9 SH%

Kylie Ohlmiller is a shoo-in for the Tewaaraton Award in 2018. She topped the points record set by the first-ever Tewaaraton recipient Jen Adams. What’s next? “She’s the best player on the planet, period. Case closed,” Spallina said. “I may be a little biased, but her body of work speaks for itself.”

National Rankings

Power Ratings (Scale of 1-5)

Offense
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Defense
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goalkeeping
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Draw
⭐⭐⭐

100

Points scored by three attackers on the 2018 roster, Courtney Murphy (116 in 2016), Kylie Ohlmiller (164 in 2017) and Taryn Ohlmiller (101 in 2017). “When you return three 100-point scorers for the first time in NCAA history, that’s pretty cool,” said Spallina. Which team can stop that firepower – or can any?

5-Year Trend
Scoring Defense

Coach Confidential
Joe Spallina

“Finishing the year in the top five, being a preseason top five and hosting the tournament, a lot of focus goes in that direction. We have to stay healthy. The motive will be there.” 

Enemy Lines
Rival Coaches

“Adds Courtney Murphy back to the lineup with the two Ohmiller sisters and a talented goalie, Anna Tesoriero. ... One of the toughest offenses to defend in the country. So much offensive firepower and added incentive of playing on their home field in a final four – watch out. ... The Ohlmiller sisters return (including one who was flat-out robbed of the Tewaaraton last spring), with Courtney Murphy, which make this team the most dangerous offense in the NCAA. Add in that stifling defense and the Seawolves finally break through and win the big trophy next May. ... A ton of good returners and a lot of hype for this team this season. ... Stingy defense and a team of athletes and arguably the best attacker in the country. ... Will be eager to make it to the final four on their home turf! ... Ten returning starters with the best player in the country and a chip on its shoulder. ... Ohlmiller sisters reload and Murphy returns from ACL. ... Will be the best offense in the country. ... Graduations in the middle of the field, but great defense and offense. ... Best player in the country. ... Playing with something to prove. ... Offensively, they work together very well. They connect the dots, and they’re good shooters. ... I think they’re going to be great. They’re exciting to watch. They score a lot of goals, their defense is strong. The key for them will be how they are in the midfield. You can’t be weak there and expect to win. ... They are typically one of our toughest games on the schedule. Stopping their scoring is so difficult.”