New Franklin Pierce women’s lacrosse head coach gets first home game victory

by Jonathan Grenier
edited by Alena Masterson

(Photo: Jonathan Grenier)

The new head coach of FPU’s women’s lacrosse team received her first career home field win Sunday, March 1st.

Head coach Hilary Duda and the Ravens played against the Dominican College Chargers of Orangeburg, NY. The game ended with the Ravens on top, winning 15 to 5. 

This is not Duda’s first time coaching, but it is her first head coaching position. “I was assistant coach for two years at Northern Michigan before, but I’m super excited to be here coaching this group of girls,” Duda said.

So far this year the team has been working on their chemistry. Duda said, “It’s awesome. It’s been a little bit of work just because there is so much change but they’re really adapting to everything that I’m giving them.”

The Raven’s victory was led by junior Zoe Totland and sophomore Morgan Baxendale, both scoring four goals a piece. Senior Bella Lima followed with another three goals. 

Sunday’s win puts the team’s record at 2-1 after a victory in Colorado over Colorado State University at Pueblo, and a loss to Regis University.

Madison Leslie, a sophomore defender, said, “Coach Duda came in with a whole new mindset for the team, bringing in a new plan for offense and defense.”

Leslie said, “With her new plans and the teams’ heart I think we will be very successful.”

The Ravens play again Wednesday, March 4 home against Stonehill College and then Monday, March 16 at Adelphi University.

How I got the story: I went to the women’s lacrosse game and talked to Madison Leslie and Coach Hilary Duda on Sunday, March 1st. They both provided the quotes in this article.