TEMPE, Ariz. – As the Sun Devil Lacrosse season approaches, fans will be provided a position-by-position breakdown of the 2020 team as part of the Season Preview series.
In the second edition of the series, read about the improvement of the defensive unit that has Head Coach Tim McCormack excited about the potential of the group.
SEASON PREVIEW: DEFENDERS
A significant part of the culture that Coach McCormack continues to build in Tempe hinges upon creating a defensive identity. A combination of experienced veterans and a talented newcomer on the defensive unit has helped establish that identity.
"Each day we look a little bit better and continue to push towards that identity," Coach McCormack observed. "The players are taking a ton of ownership in that. The progress has been nice and we are excited to watch them continue to improve."
Entering her third season in Tempe, senior defender Kristina Coppinger has become one of the leaders of the defense. She has spent the entire offseason focused on taking her game to the next level both physically and mentally.
"My game has developed most in the realm of game sense and field awareness," Coppinger reflected. "Anticipation is big on defense and the more reps you see the better you get at anticipating where the ball is likely to go so you can make the play."
Coppinger is coming off a 2019 campaign she appeared in 16 games, earning 12 starts as part of a defensive unit that showed flashes of brilliance. The Sun Devils allowed 10 goals or less on four occasions, including turning in a couple of dominant efforts. In the victory over Stetson (2/24), ASU held the Hatters to a program-low three goals and only 13 total shots. The Maroon & Gold suffocated Kennesaw State (2/8) in a season-opening victory, giving up only seven goals to the Owls. Presbyterian was held scoreless for the first 13 minutes and managed just six goals in their loss to the Sun Devils (4/14).
"The defensive unit has embraced the mentally of the coaching staff: disciplined and controlled," Coppinger remarked. "We work day-in and day-out to make sure our defensive play is always those two things."
The new coaching staff has asked players to step up into leadership roles, a challenge that Coppinger has taken seriously.
"Kristina has helped the younger players out a lot," Coach McCormack stated. "I asked everybody at the end of the Fall who they felt like they could trust the most out there and Kristina's name came up frequently. Not only has she provided leadership, but her play has been solid for us throughout the preseason."
Not only Coppinger, but the entire defensive unit as a whole has impressed Coach McCormack during practice.
"I am really excited about the group overall and I look forward to seeing where they end up as they continue to progress," Coach McCormack exclaimed. "It has been a total group effort and everyone is buying in."
Coppinger echoes the thoughts of Coach McCormack, as she has seen a positive difference in her side of the ball. What might separate the unit is how close they are as a group, forming relationships built on communication and trust.
"The defensive unit for spring of 2020 has a fluidness and a unity that makes us hard to beat," Coppinger said. "We individually work hard and make stops so when we come together, it's really a tough group to get past. We are like Teflon, a word we use that means to stay tough through adversity such as foul calls and previous defensive lapses."
Part of the tight-knit unit that Coppinger described are returning contributors Mallory Martel, Lia Willis, Cabrini Class and Olivia Kroah. All three individuals saw significant playing time last year and have built upon that experience this offseason.
Mallory Martel appeared in all 18 games last season, starting 10 of those while switching between midfielder and defender. She provided an offensive boost in addition to her stingy defense, collecting seven points (three goals & four assists) during a solid freshman campaign. Leading up to the 2020 season, she has settled in as a defender and has been praised both her peers and coaches.
Coach McCormack shares similar feelings about Martel's development, "Mallory has really stepped up into a leadership role, which with her being a young player, is awesome for us to have."
Another sophomore defender that has caught the eye of Coach McCormack is Olivia Kroah. Kroah appeared in 13 games a year ago, including each of the last nine as she came on strong as the season progressed. She has carried over that momentum into the offseason and preseason.
"Olivia Kroah has been great for us," Coach McCormack explained. "She has really taken the defensive identity we want to establish seriously and other people are beginning to try to model their game off her and Mallory."
The Sun Devils also welcome back talented junior Lia Willis, who impacted the game in many ways in 2019. Willis played in all 18 games, starting three, during a season in which filled multiple roles. Not only did she finish with four points (two goals & two assists), the junior collected 12 ground balls and earned 13 draw controls. It did not take long for Coach McCormack to realize she has game-changing speed.
Of the returning group, Cabrini Class has the most starts to her name, having started 16 games last season. The sophomore was a consistent piece of the defensive unit in 2019 and her production reflected that. Her 29 ground balls collected was the third highest total on the team, while her 10 caused turnovers were the fourth most of any Sun Devil. Class even got involved on the offensive end in the Sun Devils' win over San Diego State (4/17), recording her first carer assist. She will be counted on once again this season and looks to take another step in her development.
Cissel battled back from an injury during her first season in Tempe to play a major role in the midfield in 2019. She appeared in 15 games, starting 12, becoming one of ASU's most effective draw control specialists. In addition to her 21 draw controls earned, Cissel also scored a pair of goals.
Another defensive midfielder that has emerged leading up to the 2020 season is Haley Gorke, who appeared in eight games a season ago. The skill set she possess has her competing for a larger role in the new system.
"Haley Gorke has been solid as well," Coach McCormack added. "Another player that really can kick start transition for us and is beginning to find her feet on the defensive end. She continues to make progress every day for us."
Despite being the lone true freshman of the group, Lindy Webb has still managed to turn heads in the preseason. The Tabernacle, New Jersey native posses the ideal attributes to become a lockdown defender. Webb has made a seamless transition from the prep level, becoming an immediate factor in the defensive rotation.
"Lindy has been outstanding," referenced Coach McCormack in regards to his freshman defender. "She has what it takes to be a great cover player at this level. Her energy on the field has helped this group get to the next level."
The freshman has played with poise and maturity beyond her years, something that both her coaches and teammates recognize.
"I have been impressed with the play of Lindy Webb, who is only a freshman," Coppinger commented. "Lindy leads through her hard work and grit."
"Sometimes, coming in as a freshman it is a tough situation," Coach McCormack added. "To settle in like she has and cover some of her teammates who are bigger, stronger and faster than she has been used to, it speaks to her ability. She has done a nice job with the transition to this level."
The program boasts depth at this position like it never has before, with a total of nine defenders on the 2020 roster. Rounding out the group are junior Hanna Schuler and sophomores Sydney Payne and Mackenzie Hovsepian. Coach McCormack likes the depth that he has, making the competition for playing time tighter than ever before.
"From top to bottom this group has pleasantly surprised me," Coach McCormack expressed. "Hanna, Mackenzie, and Syd each have had bright spots in practice and continue to get better every single day."
Schuler has played in nine games in her career, appearing in the Sun Devils' victories over Stetson and Presbyterian. Sydney Payne and Mackenzie Hovsepian both earned crucial repetitions in practice during their freshman year and have carried over the experience, helping them make a smooth transition to the style of the new coaching staff.
Next up in our Season Preview series, fans will get a complete look at the Sun Devil midfielder group. Stay tuned for more position-by-position breakdowns leading up to Arizona State's season opener on February 8 at 2 pm at UC Davis.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For coverage all season long, follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWLax) and like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sundevilwlax/). Visit our website, TheSunDevils.com, for the latest updates and information on the program leading up to the 2020 season.
In the second edition of the series, read about the improvement of the defensive unit that has Head Coach Tim McCormack excited about the potential of the group.
SEASON PREVIEW: DEFENDERS
A significant part of the culture that Coach McCormack continues to build in Tempe hinges upon creating a defensive identity. A combination of experienced veterans and a talented newcomer on the defensive unit has helped establish that identity.
"Each day we look a little bit better and continue to push towards that identity," Coach McCormack observed. "The players are taking a ton of ownership in that. The progress has been nice and we are excited to watch them continue to improve."
Entering her third season in Tempe, senior defender Kristina Coppinger has become one of the leaders of the defense. She has spent the entire offseason focused on taking her game to the next level both physically and mentally.
"My game has developed most in the realm of game sense and field awareness," Coppinger reflected. "Anticipation is big on defense and the more reps you see the better you get at anticipating where the ball is likely to go so you can make the play."
Coppinger is coming off a 2019 campaign she appeared in 16 games, earning 12 starts as part of a defensive unit that showed flashes of brilliance. The Sun Devils allowed 10 goals or less on four occasions, including turning in a couple of dominant efforts. In the victory over Stetson (2/24), ASU held the Hatters to a program-low three goals and only 13 total shots. The Maroon & Gold suffocated Kennesaw State (2/8) in a season-opening victory, giving up only seven goals to the Owls. Presbyterian was held scoreless for the first 13 minutes and managed just six goals in their loss to the Sun Devils (4/14).
Despite the coaching transition, Coppinger and the rest of the defense are already on the same page with the new coaching staff. She shares a couple of key concepts that Coach McCormack has identified as being crucial to the success of the team.SUN DEVILS WIN??
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) February 24, 2019
We close out the weekend with an 11-3 dub over Stetson! ?? pic.twitter.com/O6eKI6VRn0
"The defensive unit has embraced the mentally of the coaching staff: disciplined and controlled," Coppinger remarked. "We work day-in and day-out to make sure our defensive play is always those two things."
The new coaching staff has asked players to step up into leadership roles, a challenge that Coppinger has taken seriously.
"Kristina has helped the younger players out a lot," Coach McCormack stated. "I asked everybody at the end of the Fall who they felt like they could trust the most out there and Kristina's name came up frequently. Not only has she provided leadership, but her play has been solid for us throughout the preseason."
Not only Coppinger, but the entire defensive unit as a whole has impressed Coach McCormack during practice.
"I am really excited about the group overall and I look forward to seeing where they end up as they continue to progress," Coach McCormack exclaimed. "It has been a total group effort and everyone is buying in."
Coppinger echoes the thoughts of Coach McCormack, as she has seen a positive difference in her side of the ball. What might separate the unit is how close they are as a group, forming relationships built on communication and trust.
"The defensive unit for spring of 2020 has a fluidness and a unity that makes us hard to beat," Coppinger said. "We individually work hard and make stops so when we come together, it's really a tough group to get past. We are like Teflon, a word we use that means to stay tough through adversity such as foul calls and previous defensive lapses."
Part of the tight-knit unit that Coppinger described are returning contributors Mallory Martel, Lia Willis, Cabrini Class and Olivia Kroah. All three individuals saw significant playing time last year and have built upon that experience this offseason.
Mallory Martel appeared in all 18 games last season, starting 10 of those while switching between midfielder and defender. She provided an offensive boost in addition to her stingy defense, collecting seven points (three goals & four assists) during a solid freshman campaign. Leading up to the 2020 season, she has settled in as a defender and has been praised both her peers and coaches.
"I have been impressed with all defensive players this year everyone has stepped up, on of them being Mallory Martel." Coppinger mentioned. "Mallory's continuous positive attitude and "once" mentality makes her a true defensive leader. In the words of attacker Carley Adams, "If you're not a Devil, I'd be worried."Have a day, @mallory_martel!
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 14, 2019
She becomes the fourth Sun Devils to record a multi-goal performance as the attack has been extremely balanced! The freshman now has three points on the afternoon
?? 10 | ?? 1
13:48 - 1st Half pic.twitter.com/WiUjuOjWwb
Coach McCormack shares similar feelings about Martel's development, "Mallory has really stepped up into a leadership role, which with her being a young player, is awesome for us to have."
Another sophomore defender that has caught the eye of Coach McCormack is Olivia Kroah. Kroah appeared in 13 games a year ago, including each of the last nine as she came on strong as the season progressed. She has carried over that momentum into the offseason and preseason.
"Olivia Kroah has been great for us," Coach McCormack explained. "She has really taken the defensive identity we want to establish seriously and other people are beginning to try to model their game off her and Mallory."
The Sun Devils also welcome back talented junior Lia Willis, who impacted the game in many ways in 2019. Willis played in all 18 games, starting three, during a season in which filled multiple roles. Not only did she finish with four points (two goals & two assists), the junior collected 12 ground balls and earned 13 draw controls. It did not take long for Coach McCormack to realize she has game-changing speed.
"Lia Willis has the potential to be one of the best defenders and players in the league this year," raved Coach McCormack about his junior defender. "With her combination of athleticism and speed, she really has an opportunity to step up and create plays. She should be really good in the transition game helping us push the ball and kickstart our offense."Have to keep your head on a swivel when @Liaaabiaaa is around! The defender causes a turnover and cleans it up herself by picking up the ground ball!
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 14, 2019
?? 15 | ?? 3
17:16 - 2nd Half pic.twitter.com/Wi0ishsdA8
Of the returning group, Cabrini Class has the most starts to her name, having started 16 games last season. The sophomore was a consistent piece of the defensive unit in 2019 and her production reflected that. Her 29 ground balls collected was the third highest total on the team, while her 10 caused turnovers were the fourth most of any Sun Devil. Class even got involved on the offensive end in the Sun Devils' win over San Diego State (4/17), recording her first carer assist. She will be counted on once again this season and looks to take another step in her development.
The defender position is not the only part of a team that impacts how a unit performs, with defensive midfielders playing key roles in the system of the new coaching staff. Coach McCormack has the luxury of having two talented juniors to help run his scheme in Maura Cissel and Haley Gorke.Another loose ball retrieved by Cabrini Class! She continues to be active, now with four ground balls on the afternoon pic.twitter.com/VuQ3yzfcri
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 20, 2019
Cissel battled back from an injury during her first season in Tempe to play a major role in the midfield in 2019. She appeared in 15 games, starting 12, becoming one of ASU's most effective draw control specialists. In addition to her 21 draw controls earned, Cissel also scored a pair of goals.
"Maura has really come into her own as a defensive midfielder," Coach McCormack noted. "She is doing a nice job of covering people and has taken a ton of ownership and pride in her role. Anytime you have someone who is focused on what they are doing, it makes everybody else's job a little bit easier."Score a goal, take care of business in the circle!@mauracissel is doing it all today! She scores the final goal of the first half and helps the Sun Devils earn the first possesion of the second half! pic.twitter.com/IgY7kLIoSu
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 14, 2019
Another defensive midfielder that has emerged leading up to the 2020 season is Haley Gorke, who appeared in eight games a season ago. The skill set she possess has her competing for a larger role in the new system.
"Haley Gorke has been solid as well," Coach McCormack added. "Another player that really can kick start transition for us and is beginning to find her feet on the defensive end. She continues to make progress every day for us."
Despite being the lone true freshman of the group, Lindy Webb has still managed to turn heads in the preseason. The Tabernacle, New Jersey native posses the ideal attributes to become a lockdown defender. Webb has made a seamless transition from the prep level, becoming an immediate factor in the defensive rotation.
"Lindy has been outstanding," referenced Coach McCormack in regards to his freshman defender. "She has what it takes to be a great cover player at this level. Her energy on the field has helped this group get to the next level."
The freshman has played with poise and maturity beyond her years, something that both her coaches and teammates recognize.
"I have been impressed with the play of Lindy Webb, who is only a freshman," Coppinger commented. "Lindy leads through her hard work and grit."
"Sometimes, coming in as a freshman it is a tough situation," Coach McCormack added. "To settle in like she has and cover some of her teammates who are bigger, stronger and faster than she has been used to, it speaks to her ability. She has done a nice job with the transition to this level."
The program boasts depth at this position like it never has before, with a total of nine defenders on the 2020 roster. Rounding out the group are junior Hanna Schuler and sophomores Sydney Payne and Mackenzie Hovsepian. Coach McCormack likes the depth that he has, making the competition for playing time tighter than ever before.
"From top to bottom this group has pleasantly surprised me," Coach McCormack expressed. "Hanna, Mackenzie, and Syd each have had bright spots in practice and continue to get better every single day."
Schuler has played in nine games in her career, appearing in the Sun Devils' victories over Stetson and Presbyterian. Sydney Payne and Mackenzie Hovsepian both earned crucial repetitions in practice during their freshman year and have carried over the experience, helping them make a smooth transition to the style of the new coaching staff.
Next up in our Season Preview series, fans will get a complete look at the Sun Devil midfielder group. Stay tuned for more position-by-position breakdowns leading up to Arizona State's season opener on February 8 at 2 pm at UC Davis.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For coverage all season long, follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWLax) and like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sundevilwlax/). Visit our website, TheSunDevils.com, for the latest updates and information on the program leading up to the 2020 season.