Holy Cross women's hockey aims to top historic season opener

The Holy Cross women's ice hockey team is preparing for their 2026-27 opener against Delaware, aiming to improve upon their historic 2025-26 season. Last year, the Crusaders won 19 games, set program records for Hockey East victories and points, and reached the Hockey East semifinals for the first time. They were also the first women's team in school history to achieve a Division 1 national ranking.

Coach Katie Lachapelle, who recently signed a contract extension through the 2030-31 season, emphasized the need to build upon their success. The team returns 19 players from last year and adds eight first-year players, including goaltenders Livia Debnarova, Jorinde Heller, and forward Manuela Heidenberger. Top scorers Violet Carroll and Naemi Herzig, both returning, played crucial roles in the Crusaders' success last year.

Senior forwards Emily Crovo, Lulu Rourke, and Reghan Chadwick are also expected to be key contributors. The team's strong performance in practice and the energy of the freshmen should help them navigate the challenges of a sophomore and two freshmen goalies. Lachapelle highlighted the potential growth moment of facing pressure again, as the team was nationally ranked during their successful season.