Women's Lacrosse | 2/10/2026 12:00:00 PM

The Fast Facts

2025 Record: 5-12 (2-8 PSAC West)
Conference Finish: 5th PSAC West
PSAC Preseason Ranking: 5th

Season Opener: Saturday, Feb. 14 at Wheeling (WV.) – 1:00 PM
Home Opener: Tuesday, March 17 vs. D'Youville – 3:00 PM
PSAC Opener: Saturday, March 21 at No. 8 Slippery Rock - 12:00 PM

Erie, Pa. - A renewed focus on fundamentals, veteran leadership, and an entirely new attacking unit have the Gannon women's lacrosse team entering the 2026 season with a clear objective.

"Our goal is simple this season," head coach Jenny Pawlowski said. "It's win. We're hoping to make improvements from the past two years, and we're looking forward to taking new strides as we move through our non-conference schedule and into PSAC play."

That progress begins with a strong senior class and experienced leaders who have logged significant minutes throughout their careers. Gannon will graduate six seniors at the conclusion of the season, adding urgency and motivation to the group's final campaign together. First Team All-PSAC returner Charlie Hunter (Boston, N.Y./Hamburg) anchors the group alongside captains Emma-Cait Cogan (Westerville, Ohio/Olentangy Orange) and Riley Finnegan (Oviedo, Fla./Oviedo), giving the Golden Knights stability and leadership across the field.

"First and foremost, we have quite a few returning seniors who have been significant starters for us," Pawlowski said. "Charlie Hunter (Boston, N.Y./Hamburg), Emma-Cait Cogan (Westerville, Ohio/Olentangy Orange), and Riley Finnegan (Oviedo, Fla./Oviedo)  have been great leaders. I'm really excited to see what they help this team accomplish."

While experience will guide the team, new energy on the offensive end could be a difference maker. Pawlowski pointed to expected impact from returner Megan Lang (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) and an exciting freshman duo in Lexi Cwiklinski (Upper St. Clair, Pa./Upper Saint Clair) and Isabella Veltre (Ontario, N.Y./Wayne Central), who headline a completely new attacking unit.

Lang appeared in all 17 games last season with four starts, scoring four goals and adding three assists for seven points. She recorded 12 shots, picked up five ground balls, one draw control, and two caused turnovers, including a career-high two goals and the game-winning goal against Daemen Wildcats Women's Lacrosse on March 15.

"We have a whole new attacking group this year, and we're really looking forward to seeing what they can do," Pawlowski said. "They're bringing fresh energy and a new look to that side of the field."

For Pawlowski, the keys to improvement are found in the details the team emphasizes daily in practice.

"It's the little things," she explained. "Stick work, passing and catching, making everything as game-like as possible. Winning 50-50 balls cleanly so when game time comes, it's second nature."

Gannon opens the season on Saturday, February 14 at 1 p.m. on the road against MEC foe Wheeling (WV.). The Golden Knights will make their home debut on Tuesday, March 17, hosting D'Youville at 3 p.m. inside McConnell Family Stadium, before opening PSAC play on Saturday, March 21 at No. 8 Slippery Rock.

Gannon will play a total of 17 games this season, including six straight road contests to begin the year before its first home game on March 17. The Golden Knights are scheduled to host six home games while playing 11 contests away from Erie.