Colby opens the season ranked 12th in the Intercollegiate WomenÕs Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) national poll, but the Mules start up by playing against the top-ranked team in the country in Middlebury College. The game was originally set for a noon start at Colby, but poor field conditions have moved the game to Bates College at 4 p.m.

After finishing 11th in the country with a 13-4 record last year, Colby should be strong again under 11th-year head coach Heidi Godomsky. Senior attacker Cara Dionisi was second on the team last year in points with 35 goals and 17 assists for 52 points. Kate Wheeler (25 goals, 3 assists), Emma Miller (18 goals, 6 assists) and Elizabeth Ghilardi (17 goals, 6 assists) are other returning scoring threats. Wheeler, Miller and Becca Avrutin (7 goals, 3 assists) bring experience to the midfield.

Kim Jones and Nora Beltz are two of the top returning defenders who will play in front of first-year goaltender Catharine OÕBrien. The Mules have five first-year players looking to make an impact.

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