River Hawks Soar into the Spotlight: Preseason Polls Place Them Third with Four All-Conference Honors!

BOSTON – The UMass Lowell women’s lacrosse team has been chosen to secure third place in the 2025 America East Preseason Coach’s Poll, as revealed by the league office on Wednesday afternoon.
 
The squad achieved its most prosperous season in 2024, compiling a 12-6 record, culminating in its first playoff appearance in the program’s history. Featuring the league’s Rookie of the Year, an All-Conference First Team member, and two All-Conference Second Team members, reigning Coach of the Year Lisa Miller‘s team accumulated 25 points in this year’s poll. This third-place position marks the highest preseason ranking since the establishment of the program in 2015.
 
Claiming first place with 36 points and six first-place votes, Binghamton secured the top position after capturing its inaugural America East Championship last season. UAlbany followed closely, claiming second place with 30 points, which included one first-place vote. Behind the River Hawks, UMBC acquired 23 points, while Vermont (14), Bryant (13), and New Hampshire (6) completed the rankings.
 
In addition to the poll, the conference announced its inaugural Preseason All-Conference Team, which included four River Hawks, tying for the highest number of selections for a single team. Senior Jade Catlin (Middletown, Md.) and sophomore Chloe Bowers (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) were acknowledged by the league, each occupying two of the five attack roles, while junior Audra Hansen (Stamford, Conn.) and sophomore Jillian Goldie (Owen Sound, Ontario) both earned midfield positions.
 
“I am thankful to see these four acknowledged for their dedication and competitive performance by our counterparts,” expressed Miller. “They exemplify the values and goals of our program. We anticipate an extremely competitive America East this spring and are eager to witness the continuous development of these four as leaders.”
 
Following a remarkable year in 2024, Catlin became one of just three River Hawks to achieve All-Conference First Team honors after netting a program-record 48 goals and