Women's Lacrosse Readies for Season Opener at Saint Michael's

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – As the calendar flips to March and spring break begins on campus, the University of Bridgeport's women's lacrosse team will begin its season on Saturday morning in Vermont. The Purple Knights will start 2025 with a road matchup at Saint Michael's College.

THE SCHEDULE
Following their opener up north, Bridgeport will travel south for two games over spring break. The Purple Knights visit Southern Wesleyan (S.C.) on March 4 before traveling to Life University (Ga.) two days later.

Upon arrival back home, UB will play its conference and home opener on March 14 against Felician. The Purple Knights' other home CACC games will consist of Wilmington (March 29), Chestnut Hill (April 4), Holy Family (April 12) and Georgian Court (April 18).

After Life, UB's non-conference slate features home games against Franklin Pierce (March 19) and Roberts Wesleyan (April 6) and away contests at STAC (March 26) and AIC (March 31).

The Purple Knights will celebrate their Senior Day on April 12 during their game against Holy Family.

The 2025 CACC Championship is set to take place from April 26 – May 4. For the first time, the conference champion will receive an automatic bid for the NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse Championship tournament.

LAST SEASON
The Purple Knights posted their best record (10-6) since 2015 last spring. UB's season highlights consisted of a 6-1 start, a 5-4 record in the CACC and a goal differential of 220-197.

Bridgeport has now earned 10 conference wins over the last two seasons to signify the best two-year stretch in program history.

2024 culminated in a No. 5 seed for UB in the CACC tournament. The Purple Knights were defeated in the first round at fourth-seeded Wilmington.

Bridgeport's 220 goals scored last year were the most since 2019. The Purple Knights' five conference wins came by an average of 9.4 tallies.

THE RETURNERS
UB brings back a wealth of experience from 2024 to 2025. In fact, a total of 17 Purple Knights return from a year ago while 15 upperclassmen are listed on the roster.

Amongst the returners are two All-Conference performers in the form of Tara Dimaio and Tereza Kreuzova.

Dimaio put together one of the best seasons in the region in 2024. The sophomore led the CACC in both caused turnovers (46) and ground balls (53) while also chipping in 43 goals, 24 assists and 67 total points. Dimaio was named the CACC's Defensive Player of the Week on three occasions last season and tabbed the overall Player of the Week on March 18.

Kreuzova, meanwhile, did a little bit of everything for the Purple Knights. The Czech finished the season with 24 points (18G, 6A), 40 draw controls, 22 caused turnovers, and 17 ground balls. She enters 2024 having been named to the CACC's All-Conference Second Team each of the past two seasons.

Bridgeport's starting goalkeeper, Jackie Mellia, who has played every minute over the last three seasons, is also back. She has 403 career saves across 44 career starts.

UB's team captains for 2025 are Mellia, Kreuzova and Mikayla Kennedy.  

THE NEWCOMERS
A trio of new players have joined the UB women's lacrosse program for the 2025 season. Samantha Targonski and Isabella Longo are transfers from Post University while Amber Militrano is a freshman goalkeeper.  

CACC PRESEASON POLL
The Purple Knights were slotted to finish fifth in the CACC according to the preseason coaches poll released in late January. UB was picked behind Dominican, Wilmington, Georgian Court and Jefferson.

COACH ORMROD
Head coach Jessica Ormrod is back for year No. 3 in the Park City. She has led the Purple Knights to 16 wins over the last two seasons.

Bridgeport's 10 victories last year signified their highest in a season since 2015 while their 10 conference wins since 2023 are the most-ever in a two-year span.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING (Quotes)

Jess Ormrod – Head Coach, 3^rd Season

"After our fantastic season last year, we are looking forward to building off that momentum to have another great season. We have brought in players this year that have made an instant impact while also relying on the consistency and leadership of our returners. In our preseason, these Lady Knights have been putting in the hard work with so much positive energy that has only made the coaching staff excited to see where this season takes us!"

Tereza Kreuzova - Graduate Captain

"I am so excited to conquer my final season with my amazing teammates. This team has grown so much, and I can't wait to see what we will accomplish. The team chemistry and hard work is undeniable, and we are so eager to get started."

Mikayla Kennedy - Senior Captain

"This season, I am excited to see all that we will accomplish. Our team is filled with hardworking, determined and motivated individuals, who give their all on and off the field. The energy of this team is unmatched, and we all share the common goal of succeeding as a unit. Everyone brings something unique to this team and I am proud of how far we have come and ready to see how much we can accomplish. This season will be one to remember!"

Jackie Mellia – Senior Captain

"I'm extremely excited to kick off this season. We are so ready to get on the field, compete, and have fun while doing it. I am so proud of this team and all the hard work we have been putting into preseason. I can't wait to show everyone what we can accomplish together!"

FOLLOW ALONG
For everything related to UB women's lacrosse, follow them on Instagram (@UBWlax). 

For all information regarding Bridgeport Athletics, visit www.UBKnights.com and follow UB Athletics on Facebook (UBPurpleKnights), Twitter (@UBPurpleKnights) and Instagram (@UBPurpleKnights).