By Thomas Kring, Reporter
#7 Audrianna Lienhart weaves through Indiana Tech defenders – photo by Casey Burke
The Aquinas women’s lacrosse team has faced a tough year. Between the departure of several veteran players last year and numerous injuries in the middle of the 2026 regular season, it is a testament to the grit of these players that they continue to show up.
This season introduced a number of new competitors to the Saints’ roster; ten of the 15 rostered players are freshmen and this season was Coach Marvin Hardy’s debut with the Saints.
The Saints have a small 15 player roster which leaves little room for substitution. When injuries occur, the roster shrinks even further.
The Saints have forfeited their last three games. According to Coach Hardy, the team “forfeited due to not having enough players healthy to be competitive.”
Hardy came to Aquinas after ten seasons as the Varsity Head Coach with DeWitt High School during which he won two Regional Championships and led his team to the MHSAA State Semifinals in 2021 and 2022.
Midfielder Sophia Davis emphasized the team’s struggles with injury and how the veteran players have helped.
“We have had a lot of challenges this school year and our upperclassmen have done so much for our team,” Davis said. “We have gained and lost a few players this year, so we are still growing and learning together which is helping us grow stronger as a team.”
Davis has been a breakout star this season; as of April 15, she leads the team in both goals and assists with 30 goals and eight assists. Her most remarkable performance came versus Columbia College, when she scored seven goals on eight shots.
The 2026 season began with two near losses. In their second game of the season, the Saint fell in overtime at Albion College. Just two games later, they earned their first victory in a dominant 24-3 victory over Columbia College at home.
Both Saints goaltenders, freshman Emersyn Gaitan and Samaya Dean, have made a combined 77 saves. Through ten games, Dean has posted a save percentage of .469.
#30 Samaya Dean stands tall between the pipes – photo by Casey Burke
Women’s lacrosse will play their last home game of the season on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The Saint 