Season Preview: Bryn Mawr has always had the talent.
Bryn Mawr always seems to have the talent to be competitive every year in the IAAM A conference, but the Mawrtians always find a way to underachieve.
It has been this way since 2013 when Wendy Kridel was the head coach, that Bryn Mawr has been able to put together a winning season.
We’re approaching two decades since the Mawrtians were able to win the conference title.
Kridel retired at the end of the 2015 season and the Mawrtians hired Jordyn Kirr who got the girls motivated. Last season the Mawrtians finished below .500 but were able to beat rival Roland Park Country during their regular season meeting. And Kirr was able to have her girls believe they could break the “postseason curse” and make a run past the first round.
Bryn Mawr also beat two very tough St. Paul’s SG and Severn teams during the regular season.
Yes, it has been a McDonogh dominated conference for many years now, but Bryn Mawr has been on of those teams that have the pieces to be able to win against the other teams in the conference and at the same time challenge the Eagles streak every season.
This season the Mawrtians look to restore some new hope with a new coaching hire to go with an already talented roster.
Bryn Mawr hired Brooke Matthews to lead the Mawrtians in 2018. Matthews played at Northwestern University, where she wwas a four-year starter in the midfield and a three-time member of the National Championship Women’s Lacrosse team.
The Friends School alum, served as the Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Mount Saint Mary’s in 2011–12, where she helped lead the team to the NEC Conference Championship. From 2012–2017, Brooke was an Assistant Lacrosse Coach with Penn State University’s women’s team, where she served as the offensive coordinator, scouted and analyzed game film, and recruited top high school prospects. She helped lead the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Final Four in 2016 and 2017.
“I am super excited for this season! Having grown up in Baltimore, it is great to be back and coaching at Bryn Mawr after coaching college for the last 6 years. I am excited to bring energy and knowledge to an already strong Bryn Mawr team. I love being around great competition and being in the IAAM, one of the best leagues out there, will be a great challenge!”
Could we see a winning season from the Mawrtians in 2018? Bryn Mawr has developed tremendous talent throughout the years. Now, with someone like Matthews at the helm, the Mawrtians look to be ready to make a serious bid at the title in May.
Key Returners:
Olivia Rubin- Senior. 4 year Varsity player. Middie. Great leader on and off the field. Leads by example- extremely hard working. Solid midfielder. Takes the draws. Go to on Attack and will mark top attackers on the other end
Alex Marino- Senior. Righty crease Attacker. Great vision and stick skills. Great shooter- very crafty. Throws out Behind the backs casually in practice. Smart feeder and cutter.
Virginia Oursler- Junior. Middie. Scrappy- knack for ground balls. Can run for days. Great cutter and timing offball.
Helen Mackay – Senior. Defense. Leader down on the D end
Abbey Hurlbrink- Sophomore. Middie. Hustle. Does everything middie
Season outlook:
“Our team has great energy and leadership with a lot of returners on the Attack and Midfield. Defense is going to be a major focus for us- asking everyone to step up and be ready down there. We are excited for a competitive season and can’t wait to get started. We are excited to play an extremely competitive schedule in the IAAM.” Brooke Matthews
Out of conference opponents:
3/9 Scrimmage vs. St. Catherine’s
3/13 at Norfolk Academy
4/13 vs. Dulaney at Hopkins 7pm!!
4/21 vs. Penn Charter at US Lacrosse 12pm
