A new chapter for Newberry Women's Lacrosse begins Friday as first-year head coach Kace Sternkopf leads the Wolves against Montevallo at 2 p.m. at Setzler Field.

"Our players understand what it takes to be successful," Sternkopf said. "We've built a healthy team culture, and they're embracing the freedom we want them to play with. It's giving them confidence."

Sternkopf was promoted after two seasons as assistant coach and looks to build on the program's recent success, including last year's 13–6 record and 9–2 South Atlantic Conference finish, which secured a tie for second place. The Wolves have earned a top-four seed in the SAC Tournament for three consecutive seasons.

"We talk a lot about defining daily success," Sternkopf said. "It's not just about saying we want a championship. It's about committing to the process and letting the results follow. This team has the talent and the drive."

Newberry will look to maintain its traditionally strong defensive identity despite the graduation of its entire starting unit. "Our focus has been on rebuilding that group without losing our defensive edge," Sternkopf said. "We've emphasized fundamentals."

Goalkeepers
The Wolves will rely on sophomore Presley Green and Stetson transfer Catherine Downes. Green appeared in seven games last season and posted a 4.97 goals-against average over 132 minutes.

Defense
Returning starters Julia Zayachkowsky (19 starts, 22 ground balls, 12 caused turnovers) and Skylar Duval-Lewis (18 starts, 21 ground balls, 9 caused turnovers) will anchor the unit alongside Bella Rodriguez (14 games, 8 ground balls, 7 caused turnovers).

Midfield
The midfield returns key contributors, including starter Dakota Beasley (17 starts, 19 goals, 5 assists, 21 points, 25 ground balls, 10 caused turnovers, 20 draw controls) and reserves Scythe Shephard (19 games, 2 starts, 15 goals, 1 assist, 16 points, 12 caused turnovers, 43 draw controls) and Lana Howell (19 games, 2 starts, 28 goals, 6 assists, 34 points, 26 ground balls, 8 caused turnovers, 42 draw controls). Transfers Tunie Mullen (Detroit Mercy, 13 games, 7 goals, 5 ground balls), Madison Schiffbauer (Queens), and Jazelle Ware (Shorter, 14 starts, 21 goals, 5 assists, 26 points, 26 ground balls, 79 draw controls) are expected to strengthen the rotation.

Attack
The Wolves also welcome back standout Ella Todd, who spent last season at Gannon, where she recorded 31 goals and 38 assists. In her first two years at Newberry, Todd totaled 74 goals, 389 assists, 113 points, 15 man-up goals, and three game winning goals while and earned All-SAC honors.

"Having Ella back has been tremendous," Sternkopf said. "She's a strong leader and a consistent dual threat."

Additional depth comes from transfers Shannon Creagh (Limestone, 20 goals, 6 assists), Tomi Newkirk (Central Connecticut State), and returner Delaney Harrison, who is back from injury. The team also anticipates the return of Jadie Burns, who missed 2025 due to injury after scoring 11 goals in 2024.

"I'm very pleased with our depth and growth on the attack," Sternkopf said.

Draw Control
Howell, Mullen, Christina Calidonio, and Ryann Bunner will take primary draw duties. "Our height at midfield gives us a real advantage," Sternkopf noted.