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Lacrosse Season Preview: Midfielders

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Lacrosse Season Preview: MidfieldersLacrosse Season Preview: Midfielders
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.

The series continues with a closer examination of the versatile and productive midfielder position, one that will play an integral role in the success of the Sun Devils both offensively and defensively.

SEASON PREVIEW: MIDFIELDER
The numbers compiled by Sun Devil midfielders during the 2019 season are impressive. The group finished with a combined 72 goals, 26 assists, 119 ground balls, 64 caused turnovers, and 134 draw controls, making an impact on both sides of the ball. What might be even more impressive than their production is the fact that entire group returns from a season ago. Combine that with the addition of several talented newcomers and the knowledge and mentorship of a former All-American midfielder as a Coach, this unit gives Sun Devil fans plenty to be excited heading into the 2020 season.  

"The strength of our midfield unit is toughness," first-year Assistant Coach Dorrien Van Dyke remarked. "Our middies are out here every day raising the level we compete at on both sides of the ball."

When Coach McCormack was filling out his coaching staff, he wanted coaches with experience competing at the highest level. He got exactly that in the form of former Stony Brook All-American midfielder Dorrien Van Dyke, who joined the Sun Devil coaching staff this offseason after spending one season as an assistant at James Madison.

Van Dyke finished her illustrious career near the top of the Seawolves' program record book, sitting second in goals (197), sixth in assists (71), third in points (268), and fourth in draw controls (179). The 2017 Tewaaraton Award Nominee enjoyed a breakout senior season that saw her earn IWLCA All-American recognition after her second-consecutive 70-point season. Stony Brook won the America East Conference Championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament all four season that Van Dyke was a part of the program. The Sun Devil midfielders recognize what a resource they have in Coach Van Dyke.

"The coaches' schemes have helped us develop into a dynamic group that can handle anything thrown at us on both ends of the field," junior midfielder Maddy Hunter mentioned. "It's been really fun being a part of what Coach Van Dyke and the rest of our coaching staff are creating."

One thing Coach Van Dyke has emphasized since arriving in Tempe is the draw control. The unit has worked hard this offseason in an attempt to improve in that area of the game.

"Our draw unit has made great strides since our arrival in the fall," Coach Van Dyke observed. "Our girls have really bought into this since they know how important the draw is in our game. Something that was always preached to me as a player and I preach to our girls now 'win the draw, rule the world'."

The message from Coach Van Dyke has gotten across to the players, who collectively realize the importance of gaining possession.

"Our midfield unit has worked very hard on draw controls this offseason," Hunter stated. "We all take pride in winning and competing hard for the draw every single time."

Coming off a 2019 campaign in which she provided versatility and production for the Sun Devils, Maddy Hunter has been working hard this offseason to take her game to another level.

"My patience has improved the most this offseason," Hunter responded when asked about her offseason. "Whether it's on the D or O end, having patience on both ends of the field is one of the most valuable parts of the game. Reading what the opposing defenders are giving us on attack, staying patient, and creating a play is something I've become better at, and I've noticed others have as well."

The junior made 12 appearance last season, boasting a skill set that effected the game every time she was on the field. The versatile midfielder did a little bit of everything, finishing with six goals, two assists, 11 ground balls, eight draw controls and four forced turnovers. A healthy and refreshed Hunter could be trouble for opposing defenses.

That's our President! ??@SunDevilWLax's Maddy Hunter will serve as the co-President of the Sun Devil Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for the upcoming athletic year! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/gRgujNe468

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) August 22, 2019
Joining Hunter as potent offensive threats in the midfield are junior Kylie Kroger and sophomore Kaylon Buckner.

"It's an absolute blast playing with Kylie and KB (Kaylon Buckner)," Hunter commented. "Simply put, they're beasts. Just watch them this season. It's fun when you have your midfield buddies pushing you to be your best every day."

Kylie Kroeger returns after a season in which she recorded 16 goals, putting together five multi-goal performances during a breakout campaign. She was one of only three Sun Devils that played and started in all 18 games in 2019. Kroeger's impact was felt in several aspects of the game, as she earned a team-high 33 draw controls, caused a team-best 14 turnovers, and finished second on the team collecting 31 ground balls.

??SUN DEVILS WIN! ??@kyliekroeger BURIES THE GAME-WINNER in DOUBLE OVERTIME! @TheSunDevils WIN! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/eS88xtETr3

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 6, 2019
Kaylon Buckner managed to make her presence felt immediately at the collegiate level, winning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week after a dominating effort against Kennesaw State in her first game as a Sun Devil. Buckner was outstanding in 2019, recording 26 points (16 goals and 10 assists) and making 15 starts while appearing in all 18 games. The sophomore earned 30 draw controls, collected 24 ground balls, and caused 14 turnovers last season. Coach Van Dyke appreciates the versatility she has at her disposal.

1?game, 1?Pac-12 Player of the Week Award! Not bad, @kaylon_buckner!
After causing six turnovers, earning five draw controls, and scoring twice in her collegiate debut, Kaylon Buckner is your Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week pic.twitter.com/CIsrVdgK4f

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) February 11, 2019
"They are all work horses," Coach Van Dyke said in reference to the terrific trio of Hunter, Buckner and Kroeger. "They are great between the 30's and are able to get up field to help us push transition to ignite our offense. On the offensive side of the ball they all have a good nose for the cage and will help contribute alongside our talented attacking unit."

Junior Maria Villanti came on strong as the season progressed, providing toughness to go along with her offensive ability. She joined her fellow midfielder Kylie Kroeger as one of only three Sun Devils that played and started in all 18 games in 2019. Villanti scored 12 goals last season, with 10 of those coming over her last 10 games. What she really took pride in was her defense, finishing the season with 20 ground balls, 13 caused turnovers, and six draw controls. Her ability to cause challenges for the offense has been noticed in practice.

GOAL!@mariavillanti puts the Sun Devils on the board with a perfectly-placed low shot on the free position attempt!

??1 | ??0
21:33 - 1st Half pic.twitter.com/IDY9mwunsp

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) March 30, 2019
"Maria Villanti is a teammate that I've been impressed with in practice," Hunter reflected. "She pushes me to make smart decisions with her tough defense and coverage."

Returning to Arizona State with a year of experience under their belt are the sophomore trio of Paige McGlothlin, Olivia Hood, and Erica Odell. Coach Van Dyke has been pleased with what she has seen so far from this group.

"All three of these girls are rock stars," Coach Van Dyke exclaimed.

While that might seem like a tough bill to live up to, the talented trio has plenty of potential. Despite being a freshman, Paige McGlothlin quickly acclimated to the collegiate game. She played in all 18 games, starting nine, including six of the final eight down the stretch. McGlothlin scored 17 goals and dished out five assists, recording two or more points on five occasions. In addition to her offensive production, she also earned 26 draw controls and collected 15 ground balls. She has used this offseason to become an even better all-around player.

Another first career goal for a freshman ??

Paige McGlothlin scores late to put the Owls away. pic.twitter.com/dn8c6kk9aX

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) February 9, 2019
"Paige McGlothlin is playing her best lacrosse right now," Coach Van Dyke remarked. "She is producing on both sides of the ball and plays a huge role as a circle player on our draw unit, plus she always does it with a smile on her face. Her energy is contiguous."

The versatility of sophomore Olivia Hood has continued to earn her more playing time. She is coming off a season in which she provided toughness and aggressiveness, filling her role perfectly. Hood played in 15 games as a freshman, starting three, contributing in a variety of ways for the Sun Devils. She caused 10 turnovers and collected nine ground balls, while also scoring three points (one goal and two assists). Coach Van Dyke appreciates Hood's mentality and the example she is setting for her teammates.  

??NEW RECORD! ??
On @_oliviahood_'s first NCAA goal, @kerriclayton's assist makes for her NINTH point of the game (6g, 3a) & a NEW #ASU single-game record! pic.twitter.com/zRrBcjNvdO

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 6, 2019
"Olivia Hood brings an unreal level of competition to practice every day," Coach Van Dyke mentioned. "She is one of the toughest kids on the field and is someone that girls on our team should look up to in regards to work ethic."

Fellow sophomore Erica Odell looks to take on a larger role this season, catching the eye of the coaching staff with her improvement this offseason. Odell saw action in five games in 2019, recording a goal and an assist in addition to earning four draw controls. Her skill set is one that has Coach Van Dyke excited about her potential.  

"Erica Odell had a really good fall for us and I am excited to see what she will bring this season," Coach Van Dyke said. "'E' can run for days. The way she pushes transition when she has the ball or hustles back on defense is unreal and something we emphasized since day one, we want to play fast."

With so much experience returning, Coach McCormack and his staff have the most talented and deep midfield in program history at their disposal. Hunter is confident in her group knowing it burdens a large responsibility on the success of the team.

"This midfield unit has the competitiveness, grit, and toughness that makes us better every day," Hunter "There isn't a question of the potential of this midfield group.

Part of that competitive environment is junior Avery Hamill, who heads into her third season at Arizona State. Hamill has been extremely productive on the field, recording 11 points in 13 career games. She is looking to capitalize on a successful offseason and earn a larger role in the rotation.  

Sophomore Morgan McCaffrey showed flashes of brilliance last season. She has spent her offseason diligently rehabbing a knee injury, which she suffered in the midst of an outstanding freshman campaign. McCaffrey played in each of the first seven games last season, earning six starts. She filled the stat sheet thanks to her ability to impact both sides of the ball, scoring three points, collecting eight ground balls, causing three turnovers, and earning a pair of draw controls. McCaffrey has regained her form and gives the Sun Devils another talented midfield option.  

.@juliaburns2121 dish ?? @morganmccaffrey career goal #????

H2 | 25:35
?? 6
?? 5 pic.twitter.com/RKSAYcI9Kb

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) February 9, 2019
Coach Van Dyke has the luxury of a plethora of midfield options that she can rely on in game situations. Having appeared in five games during the 2019 season, senior Mia Harp looks to build on that experience during her third season in Tempe. Harp registered her first career point as a Sun Devil, dishing out an assist in the victory over Stetson (2/24) after working hard to battle back from an injury in 2018.

After enjoying a productive 2018 season at Monroe Community College, Brittany Chamberlain joined the Sun Devils prior to last season. She proved she could score before arriving in Tempe, recording 51 points (31 goals, 20 assists) in 10 games during her lone season at MCC. Chamberlain's agility and quickness provide a challenging look for defenders.

The position features several decorated upperclassmen, but the addition of four freshman midfielders gives Sun Devil fans a lot to be excited about as it relates to the future of the position. Paige Wilkinson, Tess Keiser, Brynn Holohan, and Zoe Mazur join Sun Devil Lacrosse for the 2020 season.

 "We're excited about these new comers and what they have to bring to the table," Coach Van Dyke mentioned. "We have been putting them in different roles/positions to try to find where they fit in best on the team and they have been adapting graciously."

The coaching staff is not alone in praising the group, as their teammates have taken notice.

"I'm very impressed with our entire group of freshmen including Paige Wilkinson, Tess Keiser, Brynn Holohan, and Zoe Mazur," Hunter stated.

One common compliment between the coaches and players in reference to the freshman is how ready they are to play.

"They all have done a nice job of transitioning to this level of play from the start," Coach Van Dyke observed. "Being freshmen they've transitioned in very smoothly and are ready to make their impact," Hunter added.

Paige Wilkinson out of Cockeysville, Maryland joins Arizona State after starting for four years on Varsity at Maryvale Prep. On two occasions she competed at the Under Armour Underclass All-American Game (2016 & 2017) as part of Team Highlight out of Baltimore.

Arizona State Lacrosse also welcomes Tess Keiser to Tempe, who enjoyed a decorated prep career at Mater Dei. She was selected as a 2019 U.S. Lacrosse All-American, representing the Orange County region of California. The 2019 Adrenaline All-American got a chance to play on Team South at the 2019 ADRLN All-American Game with fellow Sun Devil Anna Winkeler. She got it done on and off the field, receiving the 2019 Jackie Pitts Award from U.S. Lacrosse, an award recognizing a graduating senior from each region who truly honors the game of lacrosse.

The third freshman midfielder joining the program is Brynn Holohan from Northbrook, Illinois. Holohan was key part of a successful prep team, winning two IHSA State Champions (2016 & 2017) during her high school career. She was captain of the 2019 Loyola Academy team that finished ranked No. 21 in the country according to Max Preps. Holohan was a 2019 All-State selection and 2019 Girls Catholic All-Conference member after an outstanding senior season.

After graduating a semester early, the Sun Devils welcome class of 2020 signee Zoe Mazur to the roster.  The terrific multi-sport athlete took home MVP honors for both her Lacrosse and Hockey team. She earned 2019 Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAA) All-Star First Team honors in lacrosse. Mazur was invited to the 2019 Senior All-Star game, which featured the top lacrosse players in the state. The South Portland, Maine native brings a dynamic and aggressive mindset utilizing her hockey background to her advantage.

Another midfield menace is coming to Tempe!

Multi-sport star Zoe Mazur is the sixth member of the signing class! #ForksUp

Welcome to the #SunDevilFamily! ???? pic.twitter.com/V7RFJEkrdk

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) November 14, 2019
The latest addition to the 2020 roster is a historic one, as midfielder Gabby Abbadessa becomes the first member of Sun Devil Lacrosse from Arizona. The Phoenix, Arizona native graduated from Desert Vista High School in 2018 and returns home to play for Arizona State after spending one season at Stony Brook. She appeared in three games during her lone season with the Seawolves, where she was a part of the 2019 America East Conference Champions who defeated No. 9 James Madison to advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals. Abbadessa brings big-game experience to the group and Coach Van Dyke applauded her attitude since arriving in Tempe.

"Gabby Abbadessa came in as a mid-year transfer for us and is making a great impact on our program in the short time she's been with us so far," Coach Van Dyke reflected. "Gabby's work ethic is unparalleled and she is a great communicator on the field."

The combination of experienced returners and talented newcomers make this group a force to be reckoned with.

"We continue to strive for progress in everything we do," Hunter summarized. "I am really looking forward to the 2020 season. We've all already grown so much."

The final edition of our Season Preview series will break down an attacking position littered with talent and offensive ability. Stay tuned for a preview of 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.