US Lacrosse Magazine released the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Women’s Preseason Top 20 on Jan. 2. Team-by-team previews will be unveiled on uslaxmagazine.com through the end of the month and will also appear as part of the magazine’s NCAA preview edition in February. 

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No. 14 Penn State

2018 Record: 10-10 (3-3 Big Ten)
Coach: Missy Doherty (8th year)

All-Time Record: 537-263-5
NCAA Appearances: 24
Final Fours: 11
Championships: 2

The offense remains, but more importantly, the defense returns.

That’s the tale of the 2019 Penn State squad coming off of a 10-10 season. The Nittany Lions return 75 percent of their offense and nearly as much of their starting corps across the field. But how Penn State improves its 85th-ranked scoring defense (13.4 goals allowed per game will be the real determining factor.

“We had a brand new defense [last year],” coach Missy Doherty said. “Everyone on low defense was new. Defense requires experience. We have everyone back, which is awesome. Just having a couple really good games under their belt helps. Despite being young we were still in a lot of games last year.”

The most important cog of the defense is senior captain Kayla Brisolari, a third-team All-American and All-Big Ten performer in 2018.

“She is a workhorse captain,” Doherty said. “She makes lots of plays, sets the bar high for work ethic.”

It’s not just about Brisolari, there are a number of players that Penn State will rely on. Junior Hayley DeAgostine and sophomore Alyssa Sloane come to mind for Doherty.

“Hayley has been one of our staple starters,” Doherty said. “She’ll be a leader on defense. Alyssa is a sophomore who gained lots of experience last year. Sometimes that sophomore year, you really improve above yourself, because you’re not only learning, but making plays…We have some great options, thankfully lots of returners.”

Alex Rich, a senior defender who transferred from Louisville after the 2017 season, was cited by Doherty as someone who knows how to lead a defense. Rich started 10 games her sophomore year for the Cardinals.

In net, the competition is steep. Lucy Lowe was the No. 1 last season, but freshman Taylor Suplee made an impression on her coach during the fall to create a three-way play for the starting position along with Madison Cunningham.

“All three of them bring a certain edge to the cage depending on how the game goes,” Doherty said. “It’s a huge advantage to have more than one goalie who can compete at a high level. Sometimes you just need a boost or to switch it up, and performing at a top level is an advantage.”

The surest thing about the Nittany Lions is the production by its attack. Maria Auth’s 71 points returns, while PSU’s do-everything All-American Madison Carter (62 goals, 119 draw controls) is back for her senior season.

“Maria was on fire this fall. She did a fantastic job,” Doherty said. “Her work ethic in the weight room and running is phenomenal. Between her and Madison Carter working together, seeing each other, not just as a cutting threat but also a challenging threat, will be important. Being a dual-threat attacker will be a big factor in our success.”

The Case For Penn State

Penn State’s offense will remain dynamic and pump in a load of goals. The likes of Carter and Auth will pace the Nittany Lions to another top 20-scoring effort. The key will be if the Lions improve enough from last year’s 85th-ranked scoring defense to hold opponents at bay. If this happens, and the goalie situation is adequately solidified, Penn State could rise to one of the top 10 teams in the country and contend for a spot in the NCAA semifinals.

The Case Against Penn State

Penn State’s defense and goalie situation might still be too inexperienced. If this scenario plays out, the Nittany Lions will be fighting for their NCAA bid once again. Last season, Penn State was one of the final two teams admitted into the tournament, and only after it beat Northwestern in the Big Ten semifinals. Conceding 13 goals or more was a key indicator of the team’s success last season. The Lions went 3-9 in such games, while going 7-1 in games when allowing 12 or fewer.

Path to the Playoffs

If Penn State has a winning record, it will be in the NCAA tournament, as evidenced by last year’s 10-9 mark entering playoff time. The Nittany Lions face plenty of opportunities for key victories and a postseason berth. Along with the Big Ten slate — which includes Maryland, Northwestern and NCAA hopefuls Johns Hopkins, Michigan and Ohio State — Penn State will square off with defending champion JMU and three other seeded teams from last year’s tourney field in Loyola, Stony Brook and Towson.

Players To Watch

Madison Carter, A, Jr.
62G, 119 DC

Carter ranks second among active Division I players in career goals (180, trailing only BC’s Sam Apuzzo, 189), and third in career draw controls (310). Last year saw a slight dip in her per-game production, as more teams focused their top defenders against her. Carter is primed for a terrific senior season, as she’s just 20 goals shy of becoming Penn State’s fifth 200-goal scorer.

Kayla Brisolari, M, Sr.
76 DC, 24 CT

The quintessential glue player, Brisolari does a little bit of everything and does it well. Named to the IWLCA All-America third team, Brisolari made a mark all over the field — 76 draws, 24 caused turnovers, 23 ground balls and 10 goals — as a junior captain. She reprises her captaincy in 2019 as the team’s premier defensive midfielder.  

Maria Auth, A, So.
54G, 17A

Auth’s paced the Lions’ offense with 71 points, emerging as a premier scorer. Auth and Carter provide a potent 1-2 punch, but more attention will be paid to Auth than last season.

National Rankings

Power Ratings (Scale of 1-5)

Offense
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Defense
⭐⭐⭐

Goalkeeping
⭐⭐

Draw
⭐⭐⭐⭐

12.7

Turnovers per game. The Nittany Lions took care of the ball, ranking third nationally in fewest turnovers per game. Maintaining a premium on ball security kept the Lions afloat last year, while their young defense languished. If that same attention to detail is repeated this year, while its defense gains more experience, Penn State may return to the heights it achieved in 2016 and 2017.

5-Year Trend
Scoring Offense (GPG)

Coach Confidential
Missy Doherty

“This team has a lot of things in order to be successful. We have really good older players combined with younger players contributing. We have camaraderie and work ethic. Some of those elements are so important. It’s just nice to come in with success and confidence. When we’ve had that before, we’ve done well before. We’re certainly excited to bring that to the table.”

Enemy Lines

“They have Carter on the draw, and she’s dominant. She’s a big body. Then they have Maria Auth, who’s just a quick, big goal scorer. They will lead that
team this year.”

“They were pretty young last year. They’ll be bringing back young players. They have a freshman goalie that is strong.”

“Lost Katie O’Donnell, but keep Madison Carter. Can they pull that defense together?”

“Will be interesting how they move forward without Katie O’Donnell. Athletic and fast — are they disciplined enough?”