“The Perfect Pieces to a Puzzle:” Drexel’s Defense Fueling Program’s Continued Success
Miles McQuiggan
PHILADELPHIA (April 20, 2023) – Drexel women’s lacrosse goalie
Jenika Cuocco was between the pipes for the scout team in a practice for the Dragons’ CAA title-winning team in 2022 when one of Drexel’s administrators – a former college lacrosse goalie himself – noticed something about the freshman’s footwork.
The coaching staff explained: Cuocco was playing with her opposite hand to help prepare the Dragons for an upcoming opponent.
Those contributions throughout the defensive unit and the entire team have helped send Drexel to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments with a third-straight in the Dragons’ reach – no small accomplishment that had not heard its name called prior to 2021. Over the last three seasons, Drexel has improved from 35
th to 21
st to 14
th nationally in scoring defense with the work of an experienced group that plays well together.
“Our defensive unit is truly a 'unit’ because each player is unique and brings a different strength to the table,” said Drexel head coach
Katie O’Donnell. “They are the perfect pieces to a puzzle. You have
Peighton Bement who is the voice and leader of the defense,
Maura Cissel who is the energy source, Jen brings the calmness and consistency,
Belle McHugh is steady and yet calculated in her ability to cause chaos,
Cam Ryan is our "Bugs Bunny" playing anywhere we need her to, and
Alli VanSlyke rounds out the low defense in her ability to make plays out of transition and clean up any loose balls in the 8 meter. They are all different and yet their differences amplify each other’s strengths.”
A notable change from the makeup of 2022’s team to 2023’s is in goal, where former CAA Goalie of the Year Zoe Bennett has graduated and Cuocco – who did not see game action in 2022 – has stepped into the role. The Long Island native has risen to the occasion, as she enters the weekend ranking fourth in the nation in save percentage (.527) and 12
th in goals-against average (8.99). Cuocco is one of five players in CAA history to collect five Rookie of the Week honors and one of just three to tally all five in a single season.
“When I was around Zoe, I would always just be a sponge around her,” said Cuocco. “She is a great player through and through, on and off the field, and just seeing her leadership has helped me this year in how to talk to my defense and take that role.”
Drexel’s 10-4 record, RPI of 18, quality non-conference win over Johns Hopkins, and no losses outside the top 30 place the Dragons firmly in the NCAA at-large conversation. The Drexel defense has held 11 of 14 opponents to 11 goals or less and eight to single digits while authoring numerous one-goal and comeback victories that show the mettle necessary in May.
“In my first year playing I have a lot to prove and I expect a lot from myself,” said Cuocco. “When I’m having an off game or not making a save that I normally do, it’s nice to be able to rely on those experienced players around me. They’ll check on me, get me to snap out of it, and put me back in the zone to play my game.”
“Jenika’s performance between the pipes game to game has been notable,” said O’Donnell. “She has brought a calm and confident sense to our defensive unit and has provided our team with multiple second chance opportunities with her saves. More notably, and while not seen by the public, are the contributions she has steadily made as an emerging leader in our program. Jen is quiet, most of the time, and she keeps her head down and grinds. She speaks when she needs to, mostly to pick up her teammates, and is working on perfecting her craft to better the team. She is the epitome of ‘lead by example’ and with it being so early in her career, I can't even imagine the lasting impact she will continue to leave on this program as she continues to grow as a player and person.”
With experience at the defensive end of the field, backed up by an impact newcomer in goal, Drexel will look to put together the right pieces to extend an unprecedented era for its program.
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