Freshman Marcoux has no problem finding back of the net
Exciting was the word continuously used by freshman midfielder Susie Marcoux, as it relates to her performance this season and the future of the Waynesburg women’s lacrosse program. In Marcoux’s case, there’s a lot to be excited for. At the beginning of this week, she was tied for a team-high 12 goals, and the team itself was on the verge of breaking the school record for most wins in a single season.
“We’re all really excited because this is the best team [Waynesburg] has had and everyone’s getting excited about moving on in the future,” said Marcoux. “All the underclassmen are really talented and a lot of girls, who have just joined this year, are picking up the game very fast. It’s going to be exciting to be a part of it.”
In the past six seasons, there hasn’t been a lot to be excited about in regards to the women’s lacrosse team. Prior to the beginning of the season, the Jackets held an 8-53 program record, with many of those losses by double-figures. With that said, one could only wonder why a player from Southington, Conn., would play for the Jackets.
“It’s nice to be a part of a program that’s progressing,” said Marcoux. “I was actually recruited as a goalie, but decided to play on the field because [JoHanna Phillips] was already the goalie. I’ve been playing lacrosse since I was six, so I knew how to play most of the positions.”
Marcoux’s versatility, as well as her offensive ability has enabled her to lead the pack of freshmen contending for positions currently held by returning upperclassmen. Because of this, she’s garnered the attention of head coach Maria Shepas.
“[Marcoux] is one of the girls that has really surprised me from the beginning because she’s really fast,” said Shepas. “I wouldn’t have guessed that by my first impression. I think she has a huge role. She’s been pretty consistent in scoring and just getting the ball back and forth. She’s going to be one of those girls that are going to be our rock that can hold our offense together.”
Marcoux credits her father, who was her first coach, as one of her mentors. She shined on the road against Lancaster Bible College earlier this season, scoring five goals on five shots, as the Jackets downed the Chargers 13-6. It was Waynesburg’s first win in almost an entire calendar year, and greater yet, she played the game in front of her former coach.
“It was exciting because it was my best game and I got to see my parents after not seeing them for awhile,” said Marcoux. “It was cool to hear his voice again cheering for me.”
Given her success, Marcoux said she didn’t have any expectations this season. Now that she’s earned a starting position, she said that she is working toward better shot-placement and setting up her teammates. This kind of mindset coming from a freshman can only be a plus in regards to the future of the program.
“I think that [the younger players] are making everyone better,” said Shepas. “They’re all working hard. They’re all vying for positions, and that’s making our older girls play harder because they don’t want theirs taken away.”
According to Marcoux, the Jackets are working toward playing better together, and they had the chance to get a first-hand glimpse of what it is like to play as a complete team Saturday against Mount Union.
“They were really good at transitions and being able to see a girl open at the net and driving in,” said Marcoux. “It’s something we’re working on; something we’ve talked about.”
Shepas echoed Marcoux’s point that the team must finish strong with winnable games remaining on the schedule. If not, the excitement of building a winning program that has more than three wins and break the single-season record for most wins in a season is a mere dream.
“We’re young and there is a lot that needs to be learned,” said Shepas. “We have to understand to not let off the gas until the clocks are at zero.”