MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU women's lacrosse team will head to George Mason on Friday afternoon to open up the 2026 season against the Patriots in Fairfax, Virginia. First draw is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at George Mason Stadium.
2025 SEASON RECAP
Last season, the Colonials went 8-11 overall and 4-2 in conference play. In the MAC Championships, #1 RMU got a 13-9 win over #4 Detroit Mercy before falling to #3 Akron 11-10 in an overtime thriller in the MAC Championship game.
RETURNING FOR THE COLONIALS
This season the Colonials return 15 players, including
Mia Berthoff and
Emma Hawks, who were both named to the MAC All-Tournament Team last season. Last season, Berthoff was second on the team in goals with 37 while adding 18 assists.
Samantha Brothers also returns for the Colonials, having scored 18 goals, five assists, and 23 points last season. The Colonials also return two goalkeepers with
Katrina Bottomley and
Megan Shepley, both on the 2026 roster. Last season, Shepley played in seven games, earning four starts, while posting a 3-2 record on the season with 35 saves. Bottomley made four appearances in goal, recording 11 saves.
Other players to return this season include
Greta Burns,
Isabella Teal,
Jade Doldo,
Emma Marchan,
Olivia Usatch,
Taylor Cadeau,
Madison Prietz,
Anabel Kreydt,
Jenna Evans, and
Amanda Dolis.
NEW FACES
Along with the 15 returners, head coach
Courtney Grove and her staff brought in transfers
Lily Robertson (Saint Francis) and
Alison Utter (Kent State) while also recruiting 16 freshmen for this year's roster. The 16 freshmen are
Gianna Kearney (GK),
Alex Koepsell (D),
Gabi Puzevic (M)
Izzy Sabatini (DM),
Keiley Lyons (D),
Natalie Malush (ATT),
Lauryn Krajzel (ATT),
Julia Foley (M),
Gaby Jennings (M),
Rylan Piccolo (ATT),
Taylor Burkett (M),
Kate Darminio (D),
Lea Otts (ATT),
Abbey Bunker (M),
Clara Staie (D), and
Lucy Carney (GK).
MEET THE COLONIAL COACHES
Head coach
Courtney Grove is entering her third season at the helm of the Colonials women's lacrosse team. Grove has recorded a 16-23 record at Robert Morris and has a career record of 148-125 (.542) in 17 years of coaching. Joining Grove on the staff are associate head coach
Emma Simmers and assistant coach
Renee Miller.
RMU AND GEORGE MASON HISTORY
This will be the first meeting in history between the pair.
SCOUTING GEORGE MASON
Last season, George Mason finished 7-10 overall and 2-8 in conference play. The Patriots were 5-5 at home and 2-5 on the road. The Patriots return leading scorer Kate Anders, who scored 40 goals last season for George Mason. George Mason also returns goalkeeper Regan Bestick, who appeared and started in 17 games for the Patriots, posting a 5-8 record while recording 144 saves in goal. The Patriots are led by Kara Mupo, who is entering her sixth season at the helm of the George Mason women's lacrosse program. Mupo has a career record of 23-59 (.280).
