The Saint Mary’s lacrosse team had completed just six games of its season before having to cancel the rest of its schedule, ending what looked to be a promising campaign after having won three straight to put its overall record at 3-3. Despite the abbreviated season, there were several program records broken or tied.
Junior midfielder Erin Doyle, last year’s MIAA Most Valuable Offensive Player, became the first player in the program’s history to score 200 goals in her career. She also moved into first in the program record books for total points, having earned 288 after this season.
On the defensive side, junior goalie Emily Kraker, last year’s MIAA Defensive Player of the year, did not seem to miss a beat this season, tying the program record for saves in a game at 17 during their contest against Carroll. She also collected nine ground balls in the match, which is the most any goalie has tallied in program history.
Senior attack Kendra Osinski will be the only Belle graduating this season, having completed a prestigious career and leaving a lasting legacy for the team. She sits fourth overall in the program for assists, having collected 116 goals and 29 assists for 145 career points during her tenure. Osinski also earned All-MIAA First Team Honors her junior year.
(Editor’s Note: Osinski is a former photographer for The Observer.)
Belles head coach Amy Long praised Osinski’s contributions to the team over her career.
“Kendra has consistently put her team first, even playing in goal for eight games during her sophomore season. She’s been a consistent producer for our program as she scored at least one goal in 47 out of the 50 games she was not in goal for,” Long said. “She earned our athletic department’s Impact Award which is presented to the senior who elevates the intensity and focus of a game beyond what statistics can measure. Kendra has been instrumental to our program’s growth and success over the last four years, and she will continue to be a key component of our team’s success in the future.”
Looking ahead to next season, Saint Mary’s will be bringing in a recruiting class of six players that will help make an impact on the program right out of the gate, Long said.
“They are eager to get on campus, and we are looking forward to having a larger roster size of 21 with additional depth next season,” she said. “The skill of our first-year players combined with the experience of our returning players and the motivation of both groups will ensure we will continue to be a top team in the MIAA in 2021.”
While nothing could quite prepare the team for the sudden and disappointing end to the 2020 season, Long said she and her squad are very thankful for the opportunities they did get and are looking forward to taking the field again.
“Having a season with just six games and no home games was something no one could have imagined. While we are all disappointed that we did not have the opportunity to fully compete this year, we are very grateful for the six games we did have,” Long said. “We are eager to get back out on the field in October for an alumni game that will honor Kendra Osinski and serve as her Senior Day.”
