Making predictions is a thankless pursuit, especially as they pertain to sports. But here we go.

The following “bold” predictions for the 2020 season factor in plenty of research and quite a few hunches. The women’s lacrosse season is captivating each year, but watching to see if these predictions come true make it even more exhilarating.

Below are five predictions for the upcoming season.

1. Katie Hoeg Sets Single-Season Assists Record

Kylie Ohlmiller set the single-season assist record in 2017 with 86 in 22 games. Katie Hoeg is coming for the top spot.

A returning IWLCA second-team All-American, Hoeg set a UNC record with 73 assists in 2019. That broke her own record of 50 assists set the year prior. The senior is already the program’s career assists leader with 132.

A potent offense led by Jamie Ortega with Scottie Rose Growney and Tayler Warehime as other options means Hoeg has plenty of choices. And with the Tar Heels looking like a team bound to make a lengthy postseason run, Hoeg will have the opportunities to rack up big assist numbers as the primary feeder from the X. Jenny Levy won’t shy away from turning to her in big moments.

2. Northwestern Plays for the NCAA Championship

Simply put, Northwestern is really, really good. So maybe this prediction isn’t as “bold” as the headline might have suggested. Either way, the Wildcats are a team appearing to be bound for Championship Weekend.

Selena Lasota is gone, but Izzy Scane was key in Northwestern’s third-ranked offense that scored 17.43 goals per game. Scane, a sophomore, is poised for a huge season after netting 62 goals last year. Lauren Gilbert and Lindsey McKone aren’t slouches, either. That trio combined for 159 goals playing alongside Lasota in 2019.

On the draw, Northwestern is strong with Brennan Dwyer anchoring the unit (as well as the midfield in general).

The defense will dictate how far this team goes, as scoring won’t be an issue. Teams torched the ‘Cats for over 13 goals per game a season ago, but many defensive players return. Ally Palermo, Ivy Arlia, Kate Copeland and Carson Copeland will be leaned on heavily in front of goalkeeper Madison Doucette.

3. A Star Emerges in Rachel Hall

Out on the West Coast, Rachel Hall repeatedly stood on her head but failed to garner much recognition without any national attention in Oregon. Playing for the Ducks in 2019, Hall — a member of the national women’s U19 team — led the country with 13.67 saves per game and 246 total saves.

She entered the transfer portal and joined Boston College, which graduated Lauren Daly but returns Abbey Ngai, who saw significant time between the pipes. Ngai is the incumbent who likely has the upper hand at the start, but Hall should quickly establish herself as the team’s go-to netminder. For what it’s worth, Acacia Walker-Weinstein was noncommittal on who would be the starter entering the season when speaking with US Lacrosse Magazine for the season preview.

Hall was ranked the No. 2 goalie in her class by Inside Lacrosse and has the talent to win this job.

4. Richmond is a Contender

The Spiders boast Inside Lacrosse’s 10th-ranked recruiting class and return standouts like Sam Geiersbach and Madison Ostrick on the offensive end. Brittney Wright, Caroline Atkinson and Meghan Quinn are back on the defensive side, and Megan Gianforte returns between the pipes.

This team lost some senior offensive punch but has plenty of talent to make up for it. Fresh off losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament, this could be the year for a Richmond breakthrough. Getting through the Atlantic 10 isn’t a cakewalk, but the Spiders have what it takes when looking at the roster from top to bottom.

5. Livy Rosenzweig is a Tewaaraton Finalist

Now a junior, Loyola’s Livy Rosenzweig should plan on attending the Tewaaraton Award presentation in at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., on May 28 ... and not as a spectator.

She was astounding as a sophomore, totaling 46 goals and 70 assists and earning IWLCA first-team All-American nods. With so much of the focus on names like Jamie Ortega and Ally Kennedy, Rosenzweig is flying (somewhat) under the radar. Don’t overlook her in the race for this prestigious award, though. She’s a star who has rewritten the Loyola record books.

Her offensive role shouldn’t change much from 2019, but with the graduation of Taylor VanThof on the draw unit, Rosenzweig’s role could grow in that area of the field. That furthers cements her case for the Tewaaraton as someone who impacts the game in all areas.