This article originally appeared on page 22 of the No. 6 April 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian magazine
By Owen Kutlu, Sports Editor
The Gettysburg College women’s lacrosse team entered the 2025 season with expectations as high as ever. After being named the preseason favorite in the Centennial Conference with seven first-place votes, the Bullets had a clear message to send: they’re not just here to compete, they’re here to contend.
The season opener on Feb. 19 against Messiah set the tone. Gettysburg came out firing, securing a 17-12 victory behind a standout performance from Julia Daly ’26, who tallied a career-high nine points on three goals and six assists. Emily Crane ’25 chipped in with three goals and three assists of her own, and the rest of the offense saw five players score multiple goals. It was an early sign of the team’s offensive depth and talent.
However, the road hasn’t been without its challenges. A mid-March matchup against No. 1 Middlebury proved to be a learning moment. Gettysburg jumped out to a 3-0 lead, showing they could hang with the nation’s best, but Middlebury responded with an eight-goal run on the way to a 15-6 win. The result was a setback, but also a chance to regroup and refocus. Games like that are often what shape a team for the postseason.
Statistically, the Bullets have remained strong throughout the season. As of early April, they’ve averaged around 15 goals per game, while allowing fewer than 10. Their defense has caused over 40 turnovers, and their clear percentage, just above 84%, shows that they are taking care of the ball. These numbers aren’t just impressive on paper, but they’re the foundation of the play style that Gettysburg strives to put on the field week in and week out.
Daly has been a constant force, not only as a scorer but as a playmaker. Her ability to draw defenders and set up teammates has been a difference-maker in close games. On the defensive end, Lily Macatee ‘25 has provided a strong presence, especially in the draw circle, where she recently broke the program’s career record for draw controls. Her consistency in getting the Bullets possession has often set the tone for the entire game.
Despite being the favorites, the Centennial Conference schedule is no joke. Teams like Franklin & Marshall and Haverford always come ready to give a gritty battle, and one off day could mean the difference between a win and a loss, as shown by the Bullets narrow 10-11 defeat to Franklin & Marshall on April 2. But for the most part, the Bullets have met each challenge head-on, building momentum for May.
One of the strengths of this year’s team has been its balance. Veterans have stepped up, but so have younger players, providing a glimpse at both the present and the future of the program. First-year contributors have carved out roles and helped sustain the team’s high level of play as the team enters the thick of the season.
Looking ahead, Gettysburg knows the competition will only get tougher. The path to a national title is filled with heavyweights like Tufts, Middlebury and Salisbury. All of these programs boast deep rosters and loads of postseason experience. But the Bullets have been here before too. The program’s consistent excellence, built on years of deep tournament runs and national success, has maintained a culture of belief. The foundation is there, the pieces are in place, and the opportunity is real.
As the regular season winds down and the postseason picture takes shape, Gettysburg’s focus is clear: keep pushing, keep improving, and make a run at the national championship that’s eluded them since 2018. If the early months are any indication, the Bullets have every reason to believe this could be their year.
