College lacrosse is back. As perhaps the most anticipated season in NCAA history approaches, we’re featuring every team ranked in the Nike/US Lacrosse Preseason Top 20.

Check back to USLaxMagazine.com each weekday for new previews, scouting reports and rival analysis.

Might as well start with a bold statement from Stony Brook coach Joe Spallina. We’ve heard a fair share of those from Spallina over the years, of course.

“This is by far the best team we’ve ever had,” he said. “We’ve never had the strength of our team be our midfield. We have 13 Division I midfielders who, in a normal year, could be starters for us.”

Even when Stony Brook spent much of the 2018 season sitting atop the national rankings, the midfield wasn’t necessarily an overwhelming strength. It was the historic attack unit that led the charge. Those teams were undeniably attack-heavy, with Kylie Ohlmiller and Courtney Murphy setting program records on what seemed like a weekly basis.

Not in 2021. Expect the midfield to steal the show.

“Eye-test wise, we are just so fast and athletic,” Spallina said. “It’ll help us in the clearing game. Our ride will be better because we’ll have more midfielders out there.”

This observation is without any outside competition for analysis, but Stony Brook has had masked intersquads in the university’s new indoor facility. There’s something to be gleaned from these competitions, but it’s always different against outside foes.

The obvious focal point in the midfield is Ally Kennedy, the US Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Player of the Year. Her name is littered throughout the program’s record book, and Spallina said he’s proud of the increased leadership she’s shouldered the past two seasons.

There’s so much more talent after Kennedy, though not everyone has the same name recognition. Siobhan Rafferty, who missed 2020 with an ACL injury, “might be quicker than she was” after recovering. Sarah Pulis, in Spallina’s opinion, has grown more as a player than anyone else at the position.

Kailyn Hart, the freshman highlight-reel whose eye-popping behind-the-back goal against Syracuse made SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays, has “made a jump.” Spallina is perhaps most excited about Charlotte Verhulst, a sophomore who is poised to dominate the draw, which has consistently been an area that’s lagged behind the rest of the team.

This is not even to mention Rayna Sabella and Kira Accettella, both of whom were fixtures in the starting lineup in 2020.

There are newcomers poised to shake things up, too. Ellie Masera is “by far the most polished freshman” Spallina said he’s ever had.

“She’s not a one-trick pony,” he said. “She’s a kid who can morph into different things. Long term, I see her being an Ally Kennedy type midfielder.”

That’s high praise from someone who has long been confident that Kennedy would turn into the star she is today. And Kennedy has taken it upon herself to take her heir apparent under her wing. They’ve worked together in drills, and Masera has already taken pressure of the program staple.

Spallina is sure that Masera will be a fixture in the starting lineup and make an impact. But there are few guarantees on this team, in large part because of depth.

The most interesting thing? There are so many capable starters that the coaching staff is divided.

“I had our coaches write down a starting lineup, and none of them were the same,” Spallina said.

TOP RETURNERS

Ally Kennedy, M, Grad.

The US Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Player of the Year, Kennedy is among the best of the best in college women’s lacrosse. Her name is littered throughout Stony Brook’s record book.

Taryn Ohlmiller, A, Grad.

Back for a final season, Ohlmiller is an offensive X-factor for the Seawolves. She’s recorded 167 goals and 138 assists in 63 career games.

Sarah Pulis, M, Sr.

In Spallina’s eyes, no one has taken greater strides than Pulis. She talled nine goals and six assists in five games last year.

KEY ADDITION

Kelsey Huff, M, Grad.

The USC transfer came home to Long Island for her final year of eligibility. Compiled 86 goals, 79 ground balls, 46 caused turnovers and 16 assists in four years with the Women of Troy.

ENEMY LINES

“Joe is so tough. They are the epitome of toughness. They’re the kids who mentally and physically get it. When you play them, you know it’s going to be an all-out fight.”

NUMBERS GAME

.959

Joe Spallina’s winning percentage against America East foes thanks to a 47-2 record since he took over the program prior to the 2012 season.