Last season, the Knights posted their best winning percentage in program history at 11-5-2. The team also had the lowest goals-against average in the 40-plus years of Clarkson football (0.67), earned its first national ranking in program history, and remained in the regional rankings through the entirety of 2023.
Back in goal for the Golden Knights is Senior Molly DiCapriowho is on pace to set numerous career goaltending records at Clarkson. DiCaprio, who was named a three-time conference all-star and all-region last year, is one win away from tying the all-time record at Clarkson and needs one more shutout to set a new standard for the Knights. Those records would go along with potentially the lowest goals-against average in program history, a record she currently holds at 1.01. Last season, she had seven solo shutouts and split two more clean sheets while posting a 0.64 goals-against average and .867 save percentage.
While the Knights will certainly miss Emily Colby in defense and Aspen Tlapa In the midfield, Clarkson brings back many veterans in defense. Junior Julia Tylar is a two-year starter for the Knights, while the student Arin Bates was a conference all-star as a defensive midfielder. Paige Ford wants to take on a bigger role in her third season at Clarkson and Senior Rachel Williams was always a key player for the Knights, either as a starter or as a valuable reserve. Grace Smith will also add some depth to the defense.
Clarkson’s midfield should be a strength this year with some outstanding players back in the squad. Maddie Lopol was on her way to another All-Star season before an injury sidelined her, scoring eight points in eight games just as the conference season began. Lopol’s return strengthens an already strong midfield, as the conference All-Star Emily Davis Her offense took a leap forward last year, scoring nine points with four goals and one assist, which contributed to her regular, consistent possession play. First-year players Callie Abel And Riley Irvin saw plenty of action in 2023, with Abel starting all 18 games and Irvin appearing in 15, including five starts. That experience will be crucial as the team looks to stop the opposing offense before it can really get going.
Front, Senior Chloe Hodge earned her second All-Star nomination a year ago and was also recognized throughout the region as she led the team with 17 points from seven goals and three assists. Hodge led the conference in shots on goal per game (1.65) and ranked second in total shots (3.06) while finishing third in both goals (7) and points (17). Newcomers Emma Robinson And Brooke Everest made an immediate impact on offense, combining for seven goals and 17 points. The duo could get more opportunities in their second season. Junior Lillian Gillett has also proven to be a valuable offensive resource in her first two seasons, scoring nine goals and three assists for 21 points. Senior Haley Archambault has also appeared in 22 games over three seasons and scored one goal and one assist in 2023.
Last season, the Knights only brought in four newcomers, but all of them contributed to Clarkson’s successful season. That will likely be the case again, as another talented group has arrived in Potsdam. Clarkson has improved his defense with the arrival of Alina Krdzic, Brooke ButlerAnd Rachel Matthewswhile the midfield becomes more offensive through Jamie Dahlgard, Emily LeBlancAnd Aurora ZaryDiCaprio will once again be the starter in goal, but Isabelle Wood And Payton Malec are capable substitutes for non-league games and one-sided affairs.
