While a team-oriented mindset is surely a strength found in many Bison athletes, women’s lacrosse captain Mary Margaret Kenney ’18 stands out. Now in her fourth season wearing Orange and Blue, Kenney served as a team captain for both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. As a midfielder, her ground balls, turnovers, and general drive exemplify why Kenney’s presence on the field has been vital for the team.

“As a midfielder, you have a greater impact on the pace, and general outcome of the game by playing both ends of the field. If offense makes a great play, it’s your job to win the next draw so we can score another goal; if defense causes a turnover, you have to make sure we capitalize on it on the attacking end,” Kenney said. “I think it is super rewarding being that combining force that links the defense and offense. In terms of my performance personally, I have really tried to focus on working hard every second I am on the field and really just making the most of my senior season.”

While the team has certainly had some highs this season, nothing stands out to Kenney more than their recent win over Ohio State, etching a 10-8 victory into the books.

“My favorite moment of the season so far was beating Ohio State last week. They are a very strong program and we were able to rally after a tough one-goal loss against Holy Cross, and come out confident and play really well to get a big win,” Kenney said.

Her four years with the Orange and Blue have produced a strong team-oriented mindset that is evident in her comments on the relationships she has built with the team.

“My favorite part of my career so far has been the relationships I have developed with my teammates and coaches,” Kenney said. “Being on a team is a bond so different than just being friends: you are spending hours a day together working towards the same goal which can be stressful and hard at times, but also the most rewarding and fun memories of my time at Bucknell have been with the girls on my team.”

Kenney also acknowledges that there have been difficult moments this season.

“This season has been a bit unexpected for us with some tough losses we know we could have won. I think it has been such a learning experience of mental toughness and positivity to keep working hard after a tough loss, and just focus on getting better each day.”

Her reflection is a testament to the leadership she displays for her teammates, and her focus she dedicates to the team. As her career begins to wind down, Kenney reflected on her tenure with the Orange and Blue.

“I am excited for our last few games and just leaving it all on the field knowing that my career is coming to a close. It has been such an amazing four years, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the time I have left with my teammates and everyone else.”

STATS:

2 time team captain

3 years Patriot League Academic Honor Roll

77 ground balls, seventh in program history

60 draw controls, ninth in program history