The Massachusetts Maritime women’s lacrosse program has grown and flourished under the guidance of fourth year Head Coach Leslie Bushy, and the Buccaneers will look for that trend to continue under the leadership of three upperclassmen who earlier today were named as tri-captains for the 2016 season.

Seniors Janine Prokscha (Washington, Conn./Gunnery Prep) and Molly Smith (Westwood, Mass./Westwood), along with junior Kianna Carpenter (Sagamore Beach, Mass./Bourne), were tabbed by Bushy to serve in the captains role, as both Prokscha and Smith will serve as Massachusetts Maritime’s captains for a third straight campaign.  Smith ranked second on the Buccaneer scoring list with a career-high 18 goals and 15 assists for 33 points on attack last spring, while Prokscha netted nine goals and a pair of helpers for 11 points at the midfield spot.  Carpenter, who also served as tri-captain of the Academy’s women’s soccer program last fall, led Bushy’s squad with 18 caused turnovers while adding 35 ground balls (second on the team) to pace Massachusetts Maritime’s defensive unit, and all three of this year’s captains have been active members of the Buccaneer Student-Athlete Advisory Committee throughout their careers.

“All three of this year’s captains have proven to be valued and effective leaders of our program during their careers, and they are fully committed to keeping their teammates on the path to success on and off the field,” Bushy, a former standout at Division II Bentley, said of the trio.  “They provide a positive example that their teammates can emulate through their experience, hard work and dedication to achievement.”

Massachusetts Maritime begins its fifth varsity season of competition on Friday, March 11^th by hosting SUNY-Maritime in opening round play of the 2016 Maritime Lacrosse Classic at Clean Harbors Stadium at 8:00 p.m. EST.