NEWBERG, Ore. --- George Fox women's lacrosse team has been picked to repeat as Northwest Conference champions once again in 2022 and the Bruins return 11 of the 12 members of their starting lineup.

The Bruins finished the regular season with an undefeated record, won their lone non-conference matchup against Chapman on the road, and were two goals shy of advancing past Illinois Wesleyan in the NCAA postseason after making their second straight playoff appearance.

Fox won its fifth straight NWC title in 2021 – its fourth straight as an undefeated champion – and outscored NWC opponents 199 to 34 and never conceded more than seven goals in a game to an NWC opponent. Coach Katie Brand has plenty of talent returning, both in the starting lineup and out of the reserve unit from 2021.

All 11 of the Bruins' returning starters were named All-Northwest Conference in 2021, including Freshman of the Year Carleigh DeLapp, and unanimous First Team selections Kyra Barnes, Andrea Garcia-Milla, and Payton Bergren. Six of the returners went beyond All-NWC to earn All-West Region honors for their play in 2021 as well.

"We have a solid group of returners that are eager to take the field after last year's success," Brand said. "Each class has a unique skill set that contributes to the to the success of the team as a whole.  Jenna and I are really excited to see them step into new roles this and build off of what we were able to accomplish last year."

In addition to their starting talent, the Bruins have a talented freshman class and several returning reserves who will help Fox maintain its standard of excellence this year.

"Even in our first week of practice our coaching staff could tell that our girls have been working hard in the offseason," coach Brand said. "We are so excited for our freshmen class and the hard work, and desire to contribute that they bring. Lyla, Gabby, and Ana all bring a freshness and eagerness to learn that challenges all of us."

The Bruins will have plenty of opportunities to test their roster with a challenging non-conference schedule. Fox will host Redlands in its season opener and will face Occidental on March 8. After facing both SCIAC opponents and Hamline (Minn.), the Bruins will also travel to the Chicago metro area to play Illinois Wesleyan and Aurora (Ill.). All three of the Bruins' last three non-conference opponents made it to the NCAA tournament in 2021.

"Our schedule this year is jam-packed with some exciting matchups and rematches," Brand said. "With our conference getting better every year we are excited to jump into conference play and defend our title, and our non-conference schedule is one of the hardest we have ever had, which is exactly what we want."

The Bruins' season begins on Feb. 19 at 5:00 pm against Redlands. After the non-conference opener, the Bruins will face NWC foes Puget Sound and Linfield on the road to start the NWC portion of the season.

Fox will host nine games this season in all, beginning first with Redlands in February before the Bruins welcome Occidental, Willamette, and Hamline in March. April opens with home games against the 'Whits' before Linfield, Puget Sound, and Pacific come to town to close the regular season. Senior Day this season will be on April 10 against Puget Sound.

While fans are once again welcome to support the Bruins in 2022, each opponent may have differing attendance policies for their respective venues - please check each team's website for their up-to-date spectator expectations.

Live video will be available once again for all home games and as many road games possible where available, with links on the team's schedule page.