MADISON, N.J. - Coming off an outstanding 2019 campaign, the Drew University women's lacrosse team will seek to continue its upward trajectory under fifth-year head coach Jane Karger this season. 

The Rangers posted a 16-5 record a year ago, tying the school record for victories and qualifying for the Landmark Conference tournament for the fourth year in a row. The team would go to earn a berth in the ECAC Championships as well and recorded the program's first postseason victories in five years when it defeated Neumann and Marymount to reach the final.

"I think the success from last year sets the bar for this season and gives us goals to build off of," said Karger. "We have an expectation to surpass where we were last year and the players who are returning now know what it takes and how hard it will be to get there. That experience will fuel us throughout each game and it will be something we can build on and take each moment to the next level."

Drew brings back 16 players from last season's team, including nearly all of its top scorers from a team that set a program record with 307 goals scored. The Rangers also return a defensive core from a team that finished second in the Landmark Conference in goals-against average (8.99).

"Overall, the team is energized and really working hard toward our goals this season," said Karger. "They have put in the work in the offseason to advance their game and we are really pleased with our progress so far. We are working on focusing on the details of every aspect on the field and are excited to face off against some other opponents.

"Our team has become extremely close and has been working really well together on and off the field to work toward the success we know we want to achieve," added Karger. "I think our experience, while we are still young, is unique and they are really collaborating together and with us as coaches to think outside of the box and make our team stronger."

Leading the way is senior midfielder Allie DiDario, a tremendous all-around performer who was named to the All-Landmark Conference First Team for the third year in a row last season. She also captured Second-Team All-IWLCA Boardwalk Region honors for the second year. Offensively, she finished third among the Rangers in goals (49), second in assists (24), and second in points (73). She made just as great of an impact on the defensive side of the field, posting 20 more caused turnovers (61) than any other player in the Landmark Conference. She also led the conference in draw controls (125) and finished second in ground balls (59). DiDario holds Drew career records for both caused turnovers (148) and draw controls (290).

Junior attack Lauren Cassella also returns as a prolific offensive performer and is coming off a season in which she finished second on the team with 54 goals while leading the squad in assists (25) and points (79). Sophomore attack Hailey Simmons is also back after earning Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year and Second-Team All-Landmark honors last season, when she posted 33 goals, 16 assists, and 46 ground balls.

A number of additional scoring threats return, including junior attack Charly Nolting, who notched 18 goals and 23 assists last season, and sophomore midfielder Kendall Hartt, who netted 32 goals and eight assists and also finished second on the team in both ground balls (41) and draw controls (83).

Sophomore midfielder Meliha Emini is back after scoring 25 goals and finishing second on the team in both ground balls (39) and caused turnovers (28). Sophomore middie Jenna Draney (16 goals) also returns along with sophomore midfielder Mary Laut (five goals) and junior attack Barbara Moukoulis (four goals). Freshmen looking to make an impact will be attackers Arianna DiLauri and Gianna Rando and midfielders Emma Koerner, Maggie Nealley, and Anna Thomas.

Defensively, the Rangers are equipped with a pair of All-Landmark Conference performers from last season, including junior goalie Katiana Michalski. She earned first-team all-conference recognition last season, when she finished second in the Landmark in both GAA (9.07) and save percentage (.509). Freshman Anna Horne will also compete for playing time between the pipes.

Senior defender Jenna Morelli is also back after capturing Second-Team All-Landmark Conference recognition for the second year in a row last season. She posted 27 ground balls and 20 caused turnovers, and she has also contributed offensively with 10 goals.

Several other experienced defenders are also back, including junior Sophia Aburmeileh, who played in 19 games and made 16 starts, and sophomore Kennedy Youtz, who played in 20 games and started 13 times. Also returning are junior Damaris Zola and sophomores Bridget Colendenski and Maliha Mannan.

"Our biggest key to success will be continuing to work hard, work together and enjoy each moment - no matter how challenging - together for every member of the program, including the coaches," said Karger. "We are working on enjoying each practice and each play and that helps us to really embrace each challenge."

The Rangers kick off their season on Saturday, when they visit King's at 1 p.m. in a non-conference tilt. Drew's home opener is set for Wednesday at 4:30 p.m