By Olivia Trasser
Staff Writer
The countdown has begun until the College’s Lady Lions lacrosse takes the field. As Head Coach Sharon Pfluger prepares her team for the year ahead, one thing is certain — expectations are always set extremely high.
The Lions, ranked No. 14 in the nation in the USA Lacrosse Preseason Poll, are no strangers to the competitive lineup that they have for the 2025 season.
Under Pfluger’s leadership, the College has built a dynasty. From NCAA Championships, All-American talent and an unwavering commitment to excellence, this season is shaping up to be one to look after.
With preseason All-American fifth-year Ally Tobler and junior Marissa Lucca leading the pack, the Lions are set to compete at the highest level.
Tobler, a graduate student, enters her final season as a preseason First Team All-American. Already a three-time IWLCA All-American and a two-time First Team selection, she is coming off an impressive senior season wanting to make this last season of hers the best yet.
In the 2024 season, Tobler finished second in the New Jersey Athletic Conference in goals (66) and points (89) while securing 94 draw controls, which is the sixth most in a single season in program history. Tobler is one of just 13 three-time All-Americans in the College’s history, where she will be one of the top driving forces for the Lions’ attack once again in 2025.
Alongside her, Lucca is poised to build on a standout sophomore season where she earned NJAC Rookie of the Year honors.
“Some individual goals of mine are to be better than last season, excel in all areas on the field and be someone that my team can count on in any given situation,” said Lucca.
The junior attacker finished third in the NJAC in both goals (61) and points (81) in 2024, trailing Tobler by only a handful of tallies. With 11 hat tricks in 17 games, Lucca proved to be a dynamic scoring threat and will look to take another step forward this season as a key offensive weapon.
Now, she's using the preseason recognition as fuel to elevate her game and help the team to winning a national championship.
“This recognition motivates me to push myself and my teammates at practice to work hard,” Lucca said. “I think we have a lot of potential this season because we are a selfless team that gets along very well and wants to win.”
With a mix of experienced leaders and emerging stars, the College has its sights set on another deep postseason run. The Lions open their season on Saturday, March 1, with a non-conference matchup against Ursinus, with the opening draw set for 12 p.m.
It is the beginning of what could be a milestone season for the legendary Pfluger, who enters the year with 589 career wins. A Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated coaches in NCAA history, Pfluger is closing in on her 600th victory, an achievement that would further solidify her legacy as one of Division III sports’ greatest leaders.
