Moon Township, Pa. - With the 2015 season just four weeks away, the Robert Morris University women's lacrosse team is getting a boost from the national media.

According to a recent online Lacrosse Magazine feature, the Colonials are the primary "dark horse" contender for the Northeast Conference (NEC), with Wagner considered the favorite. Robert Morris returns 15 players from last year's team that finished 11-6 and advanced to the NEC semifinal round, where the Colonials fell to Wagner.

In that same article, junior midfielder Jessica Karwacki is considered one of three "players to watch" in the NEC. Karwacki was third on the team in goals (24) and points (31) in 2014, but the Maryland native truly shined in the draw control category, where she set an all-time Division I record with 216.

"Jessica has a great attitude and is always striving to improve," said RMU head coach Katy Phillips. "She works hard on the draw and we're excited about the skill she brings to our team. It's no surprise she has as much success as she does."

Karwacki, who was an all-NEC First Team selection last season, has 369 draw controls in her first two years at RMU. That's 100 short of the career record set by Northwestern's Alyssa Leonard last spring.

In the January edition of Lacrosse Magazine, Karwacki was listed as the favorite to hold that record when her college career is done. The publication projected that Karwacki will end up with 738 draw controls if she continues at her career pace; if she duplicates her 2014 draw-control rate, she could feasibly reach 800.

Robert Morris opens its 11th Division I season against city rival Duquesne on Feb. 18 at Joe Walton Stadium. For the full schedule, including seven home dates, click here.

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