VESTAL, N.Y. - The Binghamton women's lacrosse team opens the 2017 season on Thursday, February 16 when they host Lafayette. The non-league contest is set for a 4 p.m. start at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Coach Stephanie Allen starts her fifth season as head coach of the women's lacrosse program, assisted by coaches Megan Milliman and Marissa Rose.

The Bearcats return 23 letter winners from a 2016 team that won six games and narrowly missed a postseason berth. A pair of all-conference selections, attack Callon Williams and midfielder Rebecca Golderman pace the team. Williams led the team with 29 goals and 38 points last spring, earning second team America East honors. Golderman racked up 27 goals and was named America East Rookie of the Year. They also return 2015 standout Brianne Arthur, who scored a freshman-record 34 goals two seasons ago before sitting out with an injury last spring. Williams and Arthur are captains, along with senior and three-year starting midfielder Val Denapoli. Junior Emma Jehle has earned the starting spot between the pipes. She played in 11 games last spring.  

The Leopards were picked to finish eighth (out of 10) in the Patriot League preseason poll after going 6-11 last year (2-7 in PL). One key returnee is senior attack Kirsten Wilhelmsen, a three-time all-conference selection who scored 53 goals (13th in nation) in 2016. The Leopards eased into their season on Sunday with an 18-3 victory over visiting Longwood. Sophomores Jane Kirby, Emma Novick and Mairead Janzer each posted a game-high four goals. Lafayette held a commanding 43-7 edge in shots and allowed just eight successful clears on 24 attempts.

The teams have played in each of the last three seasons and Lafayette leads the all-time series 2-1. Last February, the Leopards posted a 15-7 win in Easton, Pa. The Bearcats were victorious in 2015 at home, 10-7. The home team has won each of the three contests.