TEANECK, N.J.- NEC play beginning marks a major milestone for the fourth season of FDU women's lacrosse. On the heels of their best start in program history, the squad looks to keep momentum rolling into the next phase of the season. The Knights have won a program best four non-conference games this season, and are in the midst of their longest winning streak to date.
This season, the Knights boast a returning corps that remains essential to their success. Head Coach Jessica Pandolf returns to the Knights, serving as the coach since the inaugural season in 2023. Additionally at the helm for the Knights, there have been five athletes who have made their mark on the program, spending their four years alongside the initial four of the program. Brielle McInaw, Riley Eaton, Skylar Goodman, Abbey McDonald and Laura Mancinelli remain as the final five players from the 2021 unit.
Even before the 2021 season began, there needed to be players who would buy into a brand new program. It is not always easy to market something new over another established program. However, the running sentiment among the last five players was the value in building a program "from the ground up".
During the recruiting process, this opportunity stood out as the most unique and special to me," McDonald said. "The idea of helping start something new and building a program from the ground up was incredibly exciting and meaningful."
In the team's infancy, FDU women's lacrosse only boasted a 13 player roster for the first season. A striking contrast from the current 35 woman roster. Almost half of that team remains on the roster, growing alongside the team.
"Seeing the team build from 13 to 35, shows how much our program is growing, how the work of 13 players and two coaches could make the team what it is today," Goodman said. "It's amazing that more and more are committed to this program just like we all were."
Each of these players has adopted a role on the team, a role that has changed year in and year out as these players have elevated from freshmen to seniors. Being the oldest in the room commands a certain level of leadership especially among a young team.
Players like Eaton were elected as team captains in just her second season, while McInaw has admitted to finding her footing on the team and being able to emerge as a leader.
"My role has changed from being a quieter presence on the field to really coming out of my shell and becoming a leader on and off the field," McInaw said.
Beyond cultivating leadership, their experience has resulted in several moments through their time with the program. Through their time with the Knights, Eaton and McInaw have both hit 100 career points. Eaton cemented herself as the first player in program history to break the milestone, with McInaw the most recent to achieve the feat at San Diego State on Feb. 12.
"Over the last four years, a memory that really jumps out to me is when I scored my 100th point," Eaton said. "Being able to celebrate a big milestone with all my friends, my family in the bleachers, and being the first person in program history to do it will always hold a special place in my heart."
Each player recalled a different memory that they made while on the Knights, highlighting the impact that playing at FDU has left on them.
"One memory that really stands out is our spring break trip my sophomore year to Radford, Virginia. After a long five days of traveling and a tough loss, we ended up unexpectedly stuck in Virginia for another day," McDonald said. "What could've been a frustrating situation turned into a fun team bonding experience. We had to stay another night at the hotel, we went out for ice cream and spent the whole night hanging out together. It was one of those moments that reminded me how special our team bond is and how the best memories often come from the most unexpected situations."
McDonald mentioned having the opportunity to create memories, traditions, and team culture drew her to FDU. These impacts outlive the senior's time at FDU, showing their long term impact on the program.
"I hope each girl has a rope tied to their backpack at the start of season, they slap the fight tape that has been there since 2022 on the door of the locker room, dance parties before walking out on game day, the starters huddle, running to the goal scorer after each first goal. These are some of the fun things that make our team bond special," Goodman said.
The Knights have continued to grow, and these six players have been instrumental in that growth. The constant progress of the program is a testament to these student-athletes and their contributions to the team.
"It's been incredibly rewarding to help create this program and watch it grow over the years. Seeing the progress we've made and how younger players now look up to us and the culture we built is really special," McDonald said. "Being part of shaping the foundation and then watching it develop into a successful, confident team has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my experience."
This season, the Knights aim to make their first NEC tournament and fight for a conference championship. Winning games and rings are the ultimate goal for this team, who continue to prove themselves in the NEC. The Knights' path to the postseason continues with their first conference matchup with Central Connecticut on March 14.
"From freshman year to now this team has grown and changed so much," Eaton said. "I am so proud of how far we have come and truly believe that this team has something special and is a top contender in the NEC this year and for years to come."
