BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Gulf South Conference has released its 2023 women's lacrosse Top Returner and Newcomer Watchlists with five members of the Montevallo women's lacrosse team being recognized, Thursday.
 
In the preseason release, seniors Anja Kuys, Rachel Rose and Ashley Shen have each been named to the Top Returners Watchlist.
 
Kuys, from Hamilton, New Zealand, led the Falcons with 43 goals in 2022 after starting all 16 contests. Over the course of her career, Kuys has accumulated 126 goals and 153 points in 52 games.
 
Rose returns for her senior season after leading the Falcons in goal in 2022. The Oswego, N.Y., native posted a team-high 100 saves with a .448 save percentage last season.
 
Shen, a defender from Erin, Ontario, Canada, helped anchor UM's backline 13 games at defense. She led the team in ground balls with 36 on the year and recorded a team-leading 30 caused turnovers.
 
Additionally, the GSC recognized a pair of freshmen attackers on the Newcomer Watchlist in Mikaela Barbieri and Mia Black.
 
Barbieri joins Montevallo from Atlanta, Ga., and West Forsyth high school where she was named the team's Offensive MVP.
 
From St. John's, Fla., Black joins Head Coach Adrianna Piontek's squad after four years at St. John's high school.
 
The league also released its 2023 Preseason Coaches Poll with the Falcons ranked sixth.
 
The 2023 season will begin on Jan. 28, at home in an exhibition match against Life University at 1 p.m. The regular season officially begins on Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. against Reinhardt at the Track and Field/Lacrosse Stadium. GSC Conference play begins on Mar. 24, against Lander in Montevallo, Ala., at 7 p.m.
 
Stay up to date with Montevallo women's lacrosse online at Montevallofalcons.com and on social media @MontevalloWLax.