Cougars Women's Lacrosse Reflects on Remarkable 2024 Season

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. - The 2024 season was a milestone year for the MVNU Women's Lacrosse team, finishing with a 5-3-1 record and reaching as high as #14 in the National Polls. Highlights of the regular season included commanding victories over Slippery Rock (19-2) and Bowling Green (15-7), along with a nail-biting 9-8 win against Kent State.

 

In postseason play, the Cougars stunned Oakland University with a 14-9 upset in the WCLL semifinals before falling to eventual champions #3 Grand Valley State University in the final, 14-4. Their incredible efforts earned the program its second-ever nomination to the National Tournament—an impressive feat for a team only three years into its journey.

 

The season featured stellar performances across the roster. Offensive standouts included junior Jessie Kyer, freshman Liberty Pennington, and sophomore Zay Ntia, while senior Bekah Kalas, sophomore Zoe Ntia, and senior Ellie Brillhart anchored a formidable defense. Postseason accolades highlighted the team's depth and talent, with Kalas, Kyer, Pennington, and Zay Ntia named to the WCLL 1st Team All-League. The 2nd Team honorees included Zoe Ntia, junior Jane Gum, junior Karlee Whitesell, and freshman Chloe Perries. With a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars, the Cougars have set a high bar for the future, building on a season that showcased their determination, skill, and upward trajectory.

 

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries.