University of Delaware Athletics
2022 Women’s Lacrosse Season Preview
2/4/2022 3:00:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
It’s almost that time. The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse team will open the season on Saturday, February 12th against Rutgers at home in Delaware Stadium.
Don’t miss out on the action, as third-year head coach Amy Altig has her Blue Hens ready to take the field in 2022!
The Return
The Blue Hens return four of their five top players in points scored from a year ago. Danika Swech, Kendra Schweizer, Meghan Johnson, and Jenna McHale will all take the field in 2022. The five players accounted for 93 percent of Delaware’s scoring from 2021.
In the midfield, Schweizer led the way with 11 draw controls. Mae Dickens stood second on the squad with nine draw controls, while Swech and Danielle Livornese tied for third with six.
Madison Hranicka held down the defense with six caused turnovers and picking up 10 ground balls. Malaina Dunn and Maddie Maio made an impact on defense as well, causing six and five turnovers, respectively.
It's Good to be Home
The 2022 slate features eight home games and eight road games across five different states. Delaware is set to play two Big Ten teams at the beginning of the season, playing host to Rutgers before meeting 14-time national champion Maryland on the road. The Blue Hens host three CAA opponents at Delaware Stadium this season.
February 12 – Rutgers
February 23 – La Salle
March 9 – Army
March 19 – Saint Joseph's
March 23 – UMBC
April 6 - Hofstra*
April 9 - William & Mary*
April 30 - Towson*
2022 Women's Lacrosse Schedule
Leading the Way
Both Meg and Danika are highly respected throughout our team, they are effective communicators, compassionate teammates, and fierce competitors. Their impact on our program has been immensely positive and their accountability as leaders and teammates sets the standard for our program. We are excited for both of them to guide our team through this 2022 season.Head Coach Amy Altig
Meghan Johnson and Danika Swech were named as captains for the 2022 season. Both Johnson and Swech serve as first-time captains this upcoming season.
A Westport, Conn., native Meghan Johnson ranked third on the team with seven goals, four of them on free positions, in the shortened 2021 season. The midfielder also picked up four ground balls and caused three turnovers. A communications and international relations major, Johnson is the organizational communications director on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee executive board. She is also a leader on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee on the lacrosse team.
Swech, a native of Spring City, Pa., led the team with 13 points on 12 goals and one assist last season. She also had six draw controls and caused three turnovers in 2021. The exercise science major is a HenMinded ambassador, a HENS mentor, and a leader of the UDance committee for the women's lacrosse program.
Leaving an Impact
The Delaware women's lacrosse team developed five committees in support of five different organizations the team feels passionate about. They have incredible leaders in the senior class and wanted to create areas for them to utilize their leadership qualities.
The women's lacrosse program is heavily involved in giving back and supporting a variety of organizations any way possible. The Blue Hens want to spread awareness and leave a lasting impact on the community.
The team created committees supporting One Love, Serviam, Career Networking, UDance and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Welcome to Delaware
Head Coach Amy Altig announced the addition of Riley Smith as Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach in August. Smith arrives in Newark after four seasons at Wesleyan University as the Associate Head Women's Lacrosse Coach. At Wesleyan, Smith held a 36-14 overall record with the program ending each of her four seasons nationally ranked in the IWLCA Division III Coaches Poll.
While at Wesleyan, Smith developed 11 All-Americans, 11 All-NESCAC players, and successfully recruited 40 players from 6 states. She also served as an assistant field hockey coach for the Cardinals and has served as a head coach and recruiting coordinator for the Nor'easter Premier Lacrosse Club in New Haven, Conn., since 2013.
A 2017 graduate from Fairfield University, Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and played four years for the Stags as a midfielder. The Guilford, Conn., native appeared in 20 games throughout her career, was a member of the 2015 MAAC Tournament Championship team and competed in 2015 NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Tournament.
We're extremely excited to welcome Assistant Coach Riley Smith to Delaware!
— Delaware Women's Lacrosse (@DelawareWLax) August 11, 2021
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