Long known as one of the top programs in the Midwest, Denison women's lacrosse has been building toward the 2020 season. Sure, every team in every sport is always looking to improve with every season, but there was something different as 2020 approached for the Big Red.
Opening the year as the 22nd best team in the country, Denison had no small task ahead with four-straight top-25 opponents to begin the year after reaching the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse Tournament's round of 16 in back-to-back seasons. The Big Red had earned a 17-10 win over No. 24 SUNY Geneseo in the season opener and followed with valiant competition against No. 21 Brockport, No. 3 Gettysburg, and No. 8 York (Pa.).
Next on the schedule was supposed to be a trip to Colorado with yet another top-25 team on the horizon, No. 17 Colorado College. What appeared to be another spring break trip for the Big Red quickly became the loss of a season. In a period of days and hours, Denison women's lacrosse looked to salvage their season with one last game. What was supposed to be the beginning of an unheralded spring turned into one final contest with Ohio Wesleyan on the night of March 13, one that saw DU rise to a 20-5 win over the Bishops. Five games into the season with a 2-3 record and the year was over.
The Big Red weren't as far into their season as they wanted to be, but head coach Amanda Daniels was proud of how far they came in such a short amount of time.
"In the short amount of time we were together this year, we showed so much growth and potential," said Daniels. "We competed with top-10 teams in the country and were knocking on the doorstep of taking that next big step as a program. There's so much to be proud of when looking back on our five-game season, but what I will forever hold onto is how everyone responded in the face of such uncertainty, rapid change and loss. Our last few days together as a team were some of the hardest we have ever faced, but also some of my very favorite. I will be forever grateful and proud of this team for making the most of every minute we had together. They should have zero regrets and I am so very honored to be their coach."
Daniels also feels emotional when speaking about her senior class comprised of Carlie Grandjean, Paris Healey, Graham McIntosh, Catie Mulligan, Kiely Noonan, and Leander Perun. This group of six helped the Big Red post 38-consecutive victories in North Coast Athletic Conference play, compiled 50 total wins, three NCAC Tournament titles, three NCAC championships and three trips to the NCAA Tournament.
"My heart continues to break for our seniors. This was not the ending they deserved. They brought this program to where it is today, and I was so excited to see where they would continue to take us this year. I could never fully articulate how much they mean to this program and to myself. Their legacy will undoubtedly carry us through the coming years, and I hope they can find some peace in knowing that they have left this program in a remarkable place. The leadership, poise, and love for all things Denison lacrosse that they have lived and breathed over the past four years will not soon be forgotten and will continue to propel us forward."
When looking back on the 2020 season, there may be confusion and disappointment, but there will never be doubt. This year's Denison women's lacrosse team proved that they were one of the top teams in the country and they are not going away anytime soon.
To the Class of 2020, you did your part in building this program while taking it to the next level. We understand your heartache and sympathize greatly, but we will always be grateful for the way you handled yourselves as student-athletes during your four years on the Hill. Denison is a greater place because of you, and you will never be forgotten.
Some may look at 2020 as a lost season, but in Granville, we see it as another step towards greatness.
For complete information on our 2020 Denison seniors, click on their names to read their career biographies.
