Menen, Crusaders look to continue strong play

The Holy Cross women’s lacrosse team is off to one of its best starts in recent years with a 5-2 record so far this season. The Crusaders have won four straight games over the last three weeks, good for their longest winning streak since the 2012 campaign. As one of seven seniors on this year’s squad, Brynne Menen has seen the team develop and improve as the season has gone along.

“Over spring break, we were able to focus on our team chemistry off the field, and that has translated well on the field,” Menen said. “Everyone is feeling immersed in the team and has really bought into the culture that we have created.”

After defeating Colgate 15-13 in its Patriot League opener last Saturday, Holy Cross will travel to Lafayette for a key conference game this weekend (March 16, 11 a.m.), before playing its final non-league game at Stonehill next week (March 20, 6 p.m.). Menen looks for the Crusaders to have continued success as they continue conference play in the weeks ahead. 

“We are intense for all our games, but in the Patriot League we know we have to take things to a higher level,” Menen said. “We didn’t get as far as we wanted to last year, so we are motivated to make a huge impact and prove that we belong.”

Menen has been a key contributor on the field for the Crusaders, totaling six goals and 42 draw controls in 29 career games played. But she has also made an impact off the field as one of the team’s representatives to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“We are the outlet and the voice for all student-athletes,” Menen said. “Any time there are issues or concerns that our teammates want to talk about, we relay that back to the athletic administration. Whether it is food access, class schedules or something else, we make sure student-athletes are heard.”

Lacrosse is not the only sport that interests Menen, a native of southeastern Pennsylvania. She is also a huge fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, and has worked part-time for the organization over the last two years. 

“I was able to network my way into a position at the stadium, where I worked in the merchandise department the last two summers,” Menen said. “I also had a chance to work training camp, which gave me the opportunity to meet some of the players and be around the live action. Whether they are going to the Super Bowl or not doing well, Eagles fans are very passionate which made it an awesome experience.” 

An economics major, Menen has been a standout in the classroom throughout her time at Holy Cross. A three-time selection to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, she has also been named to the Dean’s List in each of the last four semesters.

“I’m really passionate about my major and I enjoy economics,” Menen said. “I think that makes it a lot easier to study and do well in courses. We also have a lot of talented, intellectual people on our team. Seeing what they do and the work they put in motivates me even more.”

Last summer, Menen completed an internship with the environmental and energy law practice of Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox. After graduating in May, she is set to begin a position as a paralegal with the law firm of Robert H. Montgomery in Philadelphia, with plans to attend law school in 2025. But for now she is focused on helping the Crusaders have continued success for the remainder of the 2024 campaign.

'SADER SHORTS

• The last time Holy Cross won four straight games came from April 14-27, 2012, when it defeated Lehigh (10-7), Central Connecticut (10-8), Lafayette (8-7) and Colgate (13-12).
• The Crusaders stand 16-17 all-time against Lafayette, with five straight victories.
• Holy Cross defeated Stonehill 19-11 last year in the first-ever meeting between the schools.

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