Back For More: 2023 Women’s Lacrosse Season Opens Saturday

Defense

Starters returning – Shannon Berry, Sammy Fillippi, Maria Pansini

Other returning letterwinners – Caroline Burnett, Taylor DeGroff, Mia James, Christie Sieber, Shea Smith, Paige Vegna, Sam Whiting, Abbie Wilhelm

Newcomers – Dylan Allen, Julianna Williams

This is a unit that will look much, much different, not only from last year but also from the three before it as well. In fact, the three graduates combined for 183 career starts, and that’s a lot of experience to replace. Princeton does have players who have been on the field before, even if they haven’t been exclusively defenders. Speedy senior Maria Pansini, who has international experience with the Puerto Rican national team, was an honorable mention All-Ivy selection last year after having 10 caused turnovers and 17 ground balls. Shannon Berry, another senior, has experience on both ends of the field, and she scored four goals with an assist a year ago. This year she is locked in as one of the starting defenders.  Junior Sammy Fillippi started all 19 games last year, and her 14 caused turnovers are the most among returnees. Who else will join those three? Senior Shea Smith, who had a great fall, leads a long list of challengers. Junior Caroline Burnett, sophomore Sam Whiting and freshman Dylan Allen are also pushing for playing time. “It’s a good unit,” Cook says. “They’re strong and athletic. Shannon and Maria provide an incredible amount of vocal leadership. They hold themselves to such high standards, and they bring the group along with them.”