WASHINGTON (February 27, 2018) – After months of training, Coach Karli Brentlinger and the Howard University Women's Lacrosse team open its 2018 campaign at nearby American (AU). Wednesday's match is set for 3 p.m.
 
Fans can follow all the action via live stats and Patriot League Network.
 
SEASON AT A GLANCE
 
HU looks to start the new year on a high note after closing the 2017 campaign 0-12 overall. Coach Brentlinger has a multitude of youthful players but are led by senior captains Natia Warren and Amerra Sheckles. Before the season, both Bison were named to the preseason ASUN watch list.
 
Sheckles ended her 2017 campaign with 135 saves and a .365 save percentage. In just three seasons with the Bison, she ranks among the school leaders in several categories, including save percentage (4^th), career saves (197), goals against average (8^th), and minutes played (8^th). Last season, the Seattle native led the ASUN Conference and ranked fourth nationally in saves per game at 11.70.
 
Warren returns as the leading scorer with 28 points on the season and looks to lead the midfield at center as she totaled 58 draw controls a year ago. Last season, she ranked second in the ASUN Conference and 33rd nationally in draw controls per game at 4.73. In three years, the New Jersey product has etched herself in the program's record book, ranking third in draw controls (120), seventh in career goals (64) and 10^th in points (68) and caused turnovers (22).
 
She scored three or more goals in a game four times a year ago with a career-high five against Central Michigan. Warren totaled five or more draw controls in a game seven times with a career-high eight against Detroit.
Other notable Bison is senior Ashley Duncan, who finished second on the team in scoring a year ago.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
Wednesday's clash will be the first meeting between American and HU.
 
AU seeks its first win of the season (0-3). American has been led by majority of underclassmen during the early part of the season, starting with freshman Emma Vinall's team-high seven goals, including a hat trick during her AU debut against Richmond. Sophomore Erica Skowron joins Vinall with seven points so far this season after scoring three goals and contributing a team-high three assists.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
On March 8, Howard hosts District of Columbia in their home opener. Thursday's contest starts 3 p.m. at Greene Stadium.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.