With a only week left before the season began, women’s lacrosse coach Sean Hansen resigned after one year as a Wildcat.

“Sean left to pursue other opportunities that might provide a better fit for her,” said athletic director Garry Killgore.

The assistant coach, Brittany Hartmann, has stepped in as an interim head coach.

“I understand Sean’s reason for leaving and I respect her for following her heart and doing what she felt was needed,” sophomore Molly Herrera said. “I am excited to have Brittany as a head coach because she has great potential to make this team amazing. She also connects with all of us off the field, which helps with our on field chemistry.”

The women had their first official practice on Jan. 31 and aim to make improvements from their 1-14 overall record last season.

The Wildcats had their first win in two years after a 31-match losing streak in their game against the University of Dallas.

They hope to continue advancing their game play.

“This year we are going to build on our previous accomplishments,” sophomore Kylee Duey said. “A big goal for the team is beating UPS.”

The first game of the season is March 3 against Pacific Unverisity, which will also be a big game for the ‘Cats, Herrera said.

“Our goals for this season are to improve last year’s performance and win most of our conference games,” she said.

Linfield’s lacrosse team has struggled within the last decade.

During that time, Linfield has won just 12 games out of 102.

Hartmann has become the fifth head coach in the past 10 years.

Although Hansen’s resignation was sudden, the team is looking forward to the season under Hartmann’s leadership.

Hartmann joined Linfield as goalkeeper coach in 2016, and last season she became the assistant coach.

She played four years of collegiate lacrosse at Pacific University.

Hartmann currently plays with the Portland Purple Women’s Lacrosse Post- Collegiate lacrosse team.

“Our team stands 100 percent behind Britt, and we are ready to get this season going,” Duey said.