HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker University women's lacrosse team begins the 2020-21 season after a tough end to last season.
Marabeth "Marty" Durden returns for her second season as Interim Head Coach. During Durden's first year, Coker averaged 9.80 goals, 20.00 shots and 9.80 draw controls per game.
"Returning to coach this group is amazing, with our season getting cut short last year, we are ready to play again," said Durden. "We have strong players that are returning from last year and I am excited to see our whole team come together to make success."
Hannah Shuren and Meagan Gallagher return to the squad for the 2021 season. Last year, Shuren led the team with 21 points on 10 goals and 11 assists. Her assist total was tied for seventh in the South Atlantic Conference. Gallagher, the team's second-leading scorer, finished with 15 points on 12 goals and three assists. Goalies Olivia Fladung and Abby Kellner also return to the squad after combining for 54 saves last season. Both goalies were ranked among the top 12 in the SAC in that category.
"This group has different motivation this year knowing that the game could be taken away from them at any moment, so they have been preparing and playing with energy that will benefit us all season," said Durden. "Our seniors are pushing the rest of the team and it shows with their work ethic and leadership on how we show up everyday to prepare."
Coker will start the season with a non-conference game at home against Barton on Feb. 17. The Cobras will then travel to St. Andrew's for a Division II/NAIA matchup on Feb. 19. Coker begins SAC play in March, hosting Lenoir-Rhyne (Mar. 3) and Newberry (Mar. 10). The Cobras will then turn around and head back up to North Carolina for matchups at Wingate (Mar. 13) and No. 4 Queens (N.C.) (Mar. 24). Coker will return home to close out March with contests against Mars Hill (Mar. 28) and Converse (Mar. 31). The Cobras start April with a home matchup against Tusculum before heading back out on the road to Catawba (Apr. 7). Coker will finish its home slate with two games against No. 13 Limestone (Apr. 10) and Lincoln Memorial (Apr. 14). The Cobras will then wrap up the regular season at UVA Wise (Apr. 17).
"We're so excited to play and compete again," said Durden. "It has been a long journey since our last game, but we are ready for it."
The Cobras open the 2020-21 season on Wednesday (Feb. 17) at home against Barton at the Coker Athletic Field. Game is set for 4:00 p.m., with video and live stats available at www.cokercobras.com.