Boston College Athletics
Lacrosse Opens 2023 Season With No. 18 USC
February 10, 2023 | Lacrosse
About the Eagles
BC Reloads
The Eagles lost perhaps the greatest player in the history of the game along with two senior cogs last season, but BC reloads at every position on the field. BC returns 10 seniors/grad students 10 juniors, five sophomores and bring in nine freshmen that made up the fourth-rated recruiting class in the country. Among those returning are two of the top three returning scorers in Belle Smith and Jenn Medjid, an entire defensive unit that features All-Americans in Hollie Schleicher and Sydney Scales, and goalkeeper, Rachel Hall.Â
A Win WouldÂ
- Give BC a 1-0 mark to the season.
- Improve the Eagles' record 7-1 against USC.Â
- Move to 14-1 in the last 15 season openers.Â
Perennial Powerhouse
The Eagles have turned into one of the perennial powerhouses over the last five seasons, leading the country with 102 wins since 2017. BC has been to five straight national championships, boast three Tewaaraton award winners, 20 All-Americans and two Honda Award Winners.Â
A Summer to Remember
BC had a summer to remember, where it spend time overseas and had former and current players represent Team USA. Charlotte North, Kenzie Kent, Dempsey Arsenault and Sam Apuzzo helped Team USA capture gold at the World Lacrosse Championships.  Smith represented Team USA at the World Sixes Games, earning a silver medal.The Eagles helped grow the game by traveling to France and Spain, while working with the Spain National Team.Â
Raking in the Awards
At least six Eagles were named Preseason All-Americans by Inside Lacrosse and USA Lacrosse Magazine earlier this season. BC also placed five players on the Preseason All-ACC squad while five were named 50 of the top returning lacrosse players by IL Women.
Preseason All-ACC
Jenn Medjid - AttackÂ
Belle Smith - Midfield
Hollie Schleicher - Defense
Rachel Hall - Goalkeeper
Cassidy Weeks - Midfielder (at-large)
IL Preseason All-American
Belle Smith
Jenn Medjid
Sydney Scales
Hollie Schleicher
Kayla Martello
Cassidy Weeks
USA Lacrosse Magazine All-American
Rachel Hall
Belle Smith
Jenn Medjid
Hollie Schleicher
Cassidy Weeks
Hunter Roman
Sydney Scales
Top-50 Returning Players
Smith - No. 4
Medjid - No. 11
Scales - No. 22
Schleicher - No. 34
Martello - No. 41
Scouting USC
- USC finished 13-5 last season and 8-2 mark in the Pac-12. The Trojans earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, falling in the first round to Virginia, 13-11.Â
- The Trojans were picked second in the Pac-12 Preseason poll heading into head coach Lindsey Munday's 11th season
- USC returns All-Pac-12 Second Team honoree, Ella Heaney, who finished the season with 34 goals and 19 assists for 53 points.Â
- The Women of Troy also return the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in Olivia Dooley and bring in Florida transfer, Olivia Dooly, the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year
- USC brings back 23 letterwinners and eight of 12 starters.Â
Series History
The Eagles are 6-1 all-time against USC, while it's the first time since the 2021 campaign when BC captured a 14-8 victory. Boston College is 4-0 all-time at home against the Trojans.Â
What's Next
BC will face UMass on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Fish Field House.Â
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