BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College women's lacrosse team begins its 2016 season on Saturday, February 27 when the Greyhounds host Hood College at Rocco Calvo Field with face-off at 10:30 a.m. in their first varsity match since 2010.

The Hounds are scheduled to play 17 matches this season including eight at home as an independent before joining the Landmark Conference as a full member in 2017. Moravian previously had varsity women's lacrosse from 2003 through 2010 before moving the program to the club level for the last five years.

"I am really excited for our first season back at Moravian," commented Head Coach Kristen Schuster. "We set a goal for ourselves to go over .500 this season so that what we are looking for. We are really hoping that we can kick off the season with a win and compete all season with our opponents. First game of the season we will see what we can do. It's the first time the ladies will be together on the field for an actual game and they have worked really hard getting ready for this match and season. We are really excited to see what the season brings."

Coach Schuster has 18 players on her roster this season including 12 freshmen and a number of players from last year's club team.

Up front, coach Schuster looks for freshman Kyleigh Miller to lead the attack with a quick shot. Joining Miller looking to drive the offensive attack will be sophomore Kyleigh McGovern and freshmen Elizabeth Charache and Jessica Pisano.

Leading the midfield for coach Schuster will be freshman Jillian Picciuto, who is strong on both ends of the field. The Hounds will also look to senior Caroline McCarthy, sophomore Alexis Kersten and freshman Dalia Aguilar, Bailey Reyes, Eileen Rolwood, Alexia Johnston and Cassidy Patterson to help control the midfield.

Junior Maria Maka is the vocal leader of the young defense for the Blue and Grey. Joining her on defense will be sophomore Magdalene Striluk and freshmen Jacqueline LaCava and Melissa Webber.

The Greyhounds have a pair of goalies this spring with sophomore Elisabeth Pontius and freshman Kelley Gavin challenging each other for playing time.

After Saturday's opener, Moravian will play three matches on the road including a contest at the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida before returning to Rocco Calvo Field on March 17. The Hounds play five of their eight matches in April at home.