FOREST GROVE, Ore.- Pacific Lacrosse enters the 2023 season with excitement and optimism as a core of returners welcome a strong group of newcomers to the program under the leadership of fifth year head coach Brittany Hartmann.

"Pacific has a long-standing tradition of success in lacrosse and this year finally feels normal," Hartmann said. "We are so pumped to see the team continue to grow and lay down the foundation for the future generations of Boxer Laxers."

Hyland Cullen-Musengo (Junior/ Portland, OR) returns after a 2^nd Team All-Northwest Conference performance a year ago after leading the Boxers in goals (33), assists (5), points (38), and shots (64). The midfielder netted a season high seven goals against Corban University a year ago. Goalie Amelia Haindl (Senior/ Portland, OR) joined Cullen-Musengo on the All-NWC Team as an Honorable Mention performer after logging 870 of the possible 900 minutes in the net and leading the NWC in saves, including a program record tying 23 saves against the University of Puget Sound.

Newcomers Devyn Davis (Junior/ Corban University), who started every game and scored 11 goals a year ago at Corban, and Mia White (Senior/ Fort Lewis College) are transfers joining Cullen-Musengo to create an experienced group of midfielders for the Boxers.

Upfront, two returners and two newcomers look to lead the attack for Pacific. Returners Diane Crets (Junior/ Simi Valley, CA) and Madison Boehringer (Sophomore/ Tigard, OR) will be joined by first years Sara Pokorny (Vancouver, WA) and Taylor Alcaire (Point Loma, CA).

Defensively, Alex Avila-Griffin (Junior/ Aliso Viejo, CA) leads a young defensive line-up including newcomers Sarah Quade and Caitlin Brown and returners Billie Merriam and Sarah Muller.

"With our transfer students in combination with our other upperclassmen, we have a great deal of leadership present," Hartmann said. "It is very exciting to have that foundation for our talented newcomers to learn from and grow together."

The Boxers open Northwest Conference play on February 25^th at Whitworth University and on the 26^th at Whitman College.

For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
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