Demorest, GA -- Head Coach Emily Jacquette can't wait for another Lacrosse season to begin at Piedmont College. The Lady Lions have been training hard nearly every day since their preseason began even with snowstorms hitting left and right. When asked whether the weather has had any detrimental effects on the team's training Jacquette stated, "It's been a cold preseason! The girls have done a good job of working through the weather high's and low's." With nothing but a strong 12-4 showing in 2013, there's no doubt the Lady Lions are prepared in only their second season.

Preseason can be tough for any team and Piedmont didn't miss out on the challenges with a few injuries early that kept the roster size small. Fortunately, the Lady Lions have steadily recovered and are at full capacity across the field heading into the season this weekend. "We're finally getting back to a healthy size roster and looking fast in the midfield. I am looking forward to seeing our young offense come together as we embark on a challenging schedule this year" noted Jacquette. While a young team doesn't often have the experience, that same youth is key to bouncing back quickly and not becoming sluggish. The Lady Lions already have some much-needed experience in their youth with 11 sophomore returners who took the team to a USA South Conference Tournament Second Round appearance last year.

The Lady Lions are looking faster than ever in the midfield with a strong set of returners and a pair of freshmen according to Jacquette, "Our midfield has returned and looks solid with Megan McDowell, Maggie McDaniel, Cahner Manns and Samantha Vanover. Adding to that group is Jessica Bergin and Jenna Smith who bring speed and patience in all their play". McDowell was second in goals (43) and points (53) while McDaniel was right behind her with 32 goals and 48 points. Manns and Vanover were crucial to ball movement in the middle with Manns doling at 15 assists last season, second to McDaniel's 16.

Piedmont's head coach shot down any doubts about a lack of defense stating, "The heart of our defense also returns including Carly Haraka in goal and Elaine Rossignol with help from freshman Jenine Brideau". Haraka was a stalwart of the Lady Lions in their inaugural season, garnering a .487 save percent on 115 saves in 2013. Rossignol and Brideau will take the field in front of her in a group that will surely shut out many opponents this season.

A team can only win games if they score more goals than the opponent. In that regard Piedmont is set with a solid group returning bolstered by some aggressive newcomers. Jacquette pointed out, "Our attack is young and aggressive with additions such as Kayla Jones and transfer Mckynsey Douglas". The pair join returner Alexis Narducci who led the team last season in goals (49), points (56), and game-winning goals with 5 while converting .813 shots on goal.

"We have been working hard in this long preseason and it's time to play some competition, learn and grow in the process and improve each game we play this season" noted Jacquette when asked about whether the off-season work has paid off. The Lions have their work cut out for them hosting the Southern Athletic Association Conference champion this weekend: Sewanee-The University of the South. The Tigers and Lady Lions will face off this afternoon for the first time in what is sure to be a nail-biter considering the success of both programs last year. "This opening game versus Sewanee is going to be a good challenge for my young team. Sewanee brings experience and success from the season before, but so do we. I am excited for the matchup between the two teams!". Head Coach Emily Jacquette and the Lady Lions have committed themselves to succeeding again and improving on last season.

The 2014 seasons starts with today's 1:00 PM match between Sewanee and Piedmont here in Demorest, GA. For the fans that can't make it, Live Statistics and Live Video will be available on Piedmont's All Access Mane Event Broadcasting Network throughout the season with the latter option subject to weather blackout. Follow on Twitter @PiedmontLions to get all the latest updates throughout the season.