No. 7 Bianca Deranieri protects the ball from the Chico State Defender during the game on April 6 at the Recreational Turf Field.

Skilled protection: No. 7 Bianca Deranieri ’24 keeps the ball from a Chico State defender during the game on April 6 at the Recreational Turf Field. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

In Women’s Lacrosse, Gaels Beat Chico State and Secure a Playoff Bid

After the 15–4 victory for over the Wildcats, Saint Mary’s now heads to Arizona to take on Cal State San Marcos in the playoffs.

by Club Sports | April 7, 2024

In the last game of the regular season for Women’s Lacrosse on Saturday, April 6, the Gaels defeated Chico State 15–4 to secure their first playoff bid since 2017.

No. 25 Gabi Laguero successfully passes to the Gael teammate during the match against Chico State at the Recreational Turf Field on Saturday, April 6. — March downfield: No. 25 **Gabi Laguero ’27** successfully passes to a Gael teammate. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

Saturday was already a special day for the Gaels, as they celebrated the Class of 2024 in front of a home crowd on Senior Day. Then they delivered a commanding win over the Chico State Wildcats, with the final score 15–4. By securing this win over the Wildcats, the Gaels end the season with a solid 6–2 record.

Bri Kyne controls the ball off the draw for the Gaels. — Off the draw: No. 15 Midfielder Brianna Kyne '27 controls the ball off the draw for the Gaels. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

Saint Mary’s prevailed in ball control and speed during the match-up against Chico State—a fitting finish, since the team has excelled in gameplay and finesse this season. As Coach Tom Perry put it, “We have been working on the ability to fight through tough game situations in preparation for the season, and the hard work is paying off.”

“We have been working on the ability to fight through tough game situations in preparation for the season, and the hard work is paying off.”
— Tom Perry, Women's Lacrosse Coach

Perry has been with the team since they transitioned into a Club Sport in the 2017–18 season. Their winning percentage in regular season play, along with the team’s first playoff berth in the Western Women’s Lacrosse League, bodes well for the future of the program as well, since it allows for the Gaels to have the needed exposure to recruit players.

Senior Grace Kennedy transitions the ball up the field for an assist. — Assisting goal: Senior Midfielder **Grace Kennedy** transitions the ball up the field for an assist. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

Arizona, Here We Come

A short week lies ahead for the team. They fly to Phoenix on Friday night and ready to face No. 1 ranked Cal State University San Marcos on Saturday, April 13 to kickoff the WWLL Playoffs, hosted by Grand Canyon University.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024.

The Women's Lacrosse team celebrates the Seniors before the game against Chico State Wildcats on April 6, 2024 at the Recreational Turf Field.

Story updated April 8 at 9 a.m. Pacific