Pictured above: Attack Caroline Flynn '22 competing against Smith during their 2019-2020 season. Image courtesy of Mount Holyoke College Athletics.
By Gigi Picard ‘22
Sports Editor
This edition’s team of the week is Mount Holyoke Lacrosse. The team is led by Head Coach Miriam Esber, now entering her 14th season in the position, and Assistant Coach Liz Kemp. Previously, Lacrosse ended after only four games in their 2019-2020 season. The final close was a fifth game at home against Smith College.
Esber said that over the summer, the team communicated through biweekly Zoom meetings. The team “hosted a fundraiser where we raised over $3800 to benefit two organizations that work for people of color — Harlem Lacrosse and the Equal Justice Initiative,” she explained.
Morgan Tanguay ’22 provided more information about how the team is doing.
“This past week, the team has finally been granted the ability to play contact,” Tanguay said. “In addition, we have been able to use both the Lyons Den and ‘Baby Lyons Den’ for weightlifting, which has been helpful in improving overall fitness and preventing injuries,” Tanguay continued.
Tanguay mentioned that the team has been trying to come up with bonding activities, but is facing difficulties because of social distancing requirements and the lack of in-person contact with student-athletes living off campus. There are currently only 12 players living on campus.
Despite these restrictions, Tanguay feels like the new teammates “have been doing well in actively participating during practices, team discussions and team bonding.” She “applaud[s] [the first-years] on their responsiveness, adaptability and eagerness to join the MHC lax family.”
One thing that Tanguay misses about the normal lacrosse season is the games. “I think I can speak for everyone on the team — coaches included — when I say that this season will be difficult without competitions,” she said.
The New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference has not yet announced whether games will be played later in the semester. “It’s sad to see the student-athletes missing out on something that is so important to them and part of their souls,” Esber said.