MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's lacrosse team is coming off of a 2025 season that, despite a nine-game losing streak, found themselves in the Ohio Athletic Conference playoffs for the second consecutive season. Even with some core departures in the offseason, the Pioneers return a strong group of seniors that will help the Pioneers make greater strides in 2026.
 
"We are very excited to get back out on Marietta Field and compete," said Marietta head coach Linsday Reho. "This group in particular has shown up to work since day one back in August, and we cannot wait to see all that hard work come to fruition."
 
This year's squad returns 14 players from last year, including six seniors that have been major contributors on both ends of the field since the first time they donned a Pioneer uniform. Back for one more year is Renee Mulvaney (Midland, Mich./Midland), Mallory Wiles (Worthington, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne), Maggie Downard (Canal Fulton, Ohio/Jackson), Alayna Francis (Irwin, Pa./Norwin), Catherine Martin (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Salem), and Havana Gomez (Pittsburgh, Pa./Oakland Catholic); a group that has helped lead the Pioneers to a pair of playoffs, including the Pioneers' only home playoff appearance.
 
"This group of seniors in particular have shown what it means to be a member of Marietta Women's Lacrosse and have helped grow this program into what it is today," said Reho. "I know that their final year in a Pioneer uniform is going to be one to remember. They know what is necessary to be successful in this conference, and we can expect them to step up to the plate to bring what it takes to find that success and rally the team behind them in those efforts."
 
The Pioneer attack will be spearheaded by Wiles and Mulvaney. Wiles is the second leading scorer in the history of the program, putting together a 47-goal season last year. "Mallory is one of the best dodgers in the conference and is a match up challenge for every team she faces," said Reho. "Her work ethic and desire to win for her teammates has set the standard of what it means not only to be a great player, but a great teammate as well."
 
Mulvaney came back from an injury-riddled season to score 10 goals and assist on 10 others. "Renee has come into her own as a facilitator over her career but expect her to be putting goals in the back of the back of the net as well." Look for the Pioneers to also count on Fiona Betzhold (10-goal scorer in 2025) and Sydney Wiles to bolster the attack.
 
The Pioneers return a talented staff of midfielders, led by Downard and Molly Dickens (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville), who was part of last year's group of standout freshmen. Downard appeared in all 17 games in 2025, scoring 11 goals and collecting nine assists. "Maggie has been the glue that helps us put a full 60-minute game together," said Reho. "She does the things that don't always show up on the stat sheet to help the team get another tally in the win column." Dickens was third on the team with 24 goals and also collected 29 draw controls, good for 4th on the team. "Molly will continue to get us strong offensive looks and important possessions at the draw circle."
 
The Pioneers will return one of the best defenders in the OAC in Francis. She was fourth in the conference with 84 draw controls, and she led the team with 25 caused turnovers, good for fourth in the OAC. "Alayna returns as our leader on defense and continues to prove why she has been an all-conference player in each of her 3 seasons," said Reho. "Expect Alayna to come out with a fire and will to win each game." The defense will also feature Gomez, Izzy Lindsey (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty), Delaney Warner (Columbus, Ohio/Hilliard Bradley), and Emma DeWeese (Bellbrook, Ohio/Bellbrook). "We have such great depth at this position that no matter who we call on, we know the job will get done on the defensive end," said Reho.
 
The Pioneers will have a battle at the goalkeeper position this year, having to replace four-year starter Abby May (Randolph, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary). Juniors Tessa Labrasciano (Brandon, Fla./Bloomingdale Senior) and Morgan Parker (Gahanna, Ohio/Lincoln) have waited in the wings for their time to shine and will try to win the job as starting keeper. Labrasciano appeared in five contests last year while Parker sat out the season due to injury. "The goalie battle will be an ongoing one, and that is a great problem to have," said Reho. "We have confidence in both Tessa and Morgan to step up and make big plays for us in close games."
 
The Pioneers boast a pair of newcomers that are expected to make immediate impacts. Maddie Heyboer (Wyoming, Mich./Grandville) and Lydia McCarter (Fort Mill, S.C./Catawba Ridge) are expected to fit in seamlessly in the Pioneer offense and should have standout freshman seasons. "Maddie has come into her own as an offensive player, and seeing her confidence grow as a dodging and scoring threat has been awesome," said Reho.  "Lydia has fit into our midfield group, giving 110% with everything she does."
 
This year, Reho will have some assistance with the addition of Lola Duff to the coaching staff.  Duff spent last year as the assistant coach at Washington and Jefferson College. "I could not be more grateful to have Lola at my side this season," said Reho. "She has been such a welcomed addition to our family, and the team has positively responded to her coaching philosophy from the start. Her defensive perspective has helped our team defense grown, and I have seen a lot of individual growth in both on the field play and lacrosse IQ due in large part to her."
 
The Pioneers open the season at Marietta Field against Chatham University this Saturday (Feb. 21) with the game scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
 
"We have set the goal to go into each game not over or underestimating our opponents," concluded Coach Reho. "The expectation is to play our game, and win or lose, know that we gave everything we had and be proud of the effort we put out onto the field. In doing that, they sky is the limit for this group."
 
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.