OTTAWA, Kan. – The (RV) Ottawa University women's lacrosse team open the 2023 in challenging fashion, hosting the reigning national champions and No. 1 Benedictine College Ravens at 1 pm on Saturday at AdventHealth Field.

The Braves return 12 of the 18 players from last season, as well as adding some fresh faces. Some notable graduates from last years team included Quinn Crandall, a major contributor on the offensive end with 54 goals and 45 assists for 99 points last season. Another major loss is former mid/defender Alyssa Ortiz-Cloninger, who has fortunately returned as a graduate assistant coach for the team.

There are still plenty of returning pieces that can lead this team atop of the KCAC. Five of the six top scorers return from last season, as well as most of the midfield and defensive core. Cecily Anderson will look to be the Braves offensive threat, second on the team with 46 goals last season. Mackenzie Simmons scored 30+ goals last season, followed by Jasmin Roybal's 12 goals and seven assists.

The Braves' returning midfielders contribute on both offense and defense. Ashley Santillan was second on the team in groundballs and fourth in caused turnovers, on top of scoring 17 goals and dishing out nine assists. Shannon Carroll looks to improve on a 20 goal and seven assist season.

Key returners on defense include Felicia Dixon and Aryiannah Elgin. Both players started in every single game last season. Elgin was third on the team in caused turnovers, while Dixon specializes in clearing the ball quickly from the defensive third.

Incoming freshman on this year's team to lookout for: Emma Whalen, Faith Ruoff, Curstin Brown.

Up Next: The Braves will play Keiser University in a neutral site match at Missouri Baptist University Monday at 11 am.