By Matt Noonan, Noontime Sports

MARSHFIELD, Mass. -- Victoria McDonough will always remember the “good times” with the Bridgewater State University women’s lacrosse program: dinners with teammates, spring break trips, and wins, of course. But she will also remember being a part of a family – “We really grew closer and closer every day,” said McDonough of her coaches and teammates.

This family – the Bridgewater State women’s lacrosse program – was instrumental in helping the Marshfield, Massachusetts native thrive on the lacrosse field, including as a first-year student-athlete that was named Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Rookie of the Week four times.

Over the next two years, McDonough became the player to watch on the Bears, averaging 48.5 goals, 47 assists, and 89 draw controls in 35 contests. She posted a career-high 96 points in 19 games during her sophomore season before registering career-bests in goals (52) and draw controls (92) one year later.

McDonough’s effort last spring earned her a slew of postseason honors, including a spot on the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) D-III All-Berkshire Second Team.

“I didn’t physically do anything different,” McDonough said when asked how she prepared for her third season with the Bears. “I kept the same workout regiment, but once the season started I (just) noticed a mental change.”

McDonough claims she took more risks as a junior while becoming one of the team’s leaders. She led the Bears to the MASCAC Tournament and was named a captain for the 2020 season.

In just five games this year, McDonough tallied 15 goals and seven assists while snatching 35 draw controls. She was also named the MASCAC Player of the Week on Monday, March 16.

McDonough hopes to stay involved with lacrosse, perhaps as a coach after volunteering for Bridgewater Raynham Girls Youth Lacrosse last year. “(My experience) made me realize how much I want to help these kids learn this sport at a young age,” she said.

As for what the future holds, McDonough claims she is interested in “many different” opportunities and has not decided which path she will pursue after graduation. But one thing she does plan to do is stay involved with her second family – she looks forward to attending games next school year while cheering on her teammates from the stands.

“This team has a lot of amazing players,” she said. “I believe they have a great season ahead of them, and I cannot wait to (cheer them on) next year.”