Malia MacDonald’s lacrosse path was on the rise already.
The midfielder with the lightning quick stick skills had 24 goals as a freshman for Amherst Regional.
She then increased that output to 43 as a sophomore for the Hurricanes.
This offseason, she honed her lacrosse skills in a different way.
The upcoming junior traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to participate in the Brine National Lacrosse Classic.
“It was really, really great. I learned a lot.” MacDonald said. “It was hot, though.”
The event is a way for lacrosse player to advance their skills while receiving looks from college scouts. MacDonald had the chance to play with and against other elite players from around the country — players she never played with before.
“I understand the game a lot more,” MacDonald said. “It’s all about teamwork and trusting each other. ”
Meghan Sharick’s 76 goals graduated this past season for Amherst.
MacDonald will be the focal point of the Hurricanes’ offense in 2017.
“I hope to be just like Meghan (Sharick),” MacDonald said. “I want to help the team just like she did and be just as positive.”
The event isn’t open to just any players, the BNLC holds regional tryouts all over the country. Players must be in good academic standing with the goal of playing in college.
MacDonald attended a tryout at Springfield College with 55 other players. She made the cut but ended up playing for the North Carolina team.
“We got there and missed our first practice because of a storm,” MacDonald said. “We just started playing games the next day.”
MacDonald and the North Carolina team went 0-3-1, but the experience was about more than just winning and losing.
“I got to play with good and experienced players from all over the country,” MacDonald said.
She will face the challenge of new teammates next season, something that the event in Richmond prepared her for this summer.
“We started to trust each other,” MacDonald said. “Towards the end everything started flowing.”
