STONY BROOK, N.Y. — The Stony Brook women's lacrosse team will be ready to go in 2021.
 
Senior defender Sydney Gagnon has announced that she will return to the Seawolves next season.
 
"I am so incredibly excited to be coming back to Stony Brook for my fifth year," Gagnon said of her return. "A huge thank you goes out to my coaches, family and everyone else who was involved in making this all possible."
 
The declaration comes in response to the NCAA's decision back in March to give an extra year of eligibility to spring sport athletes after their seasons were cut short due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
 
The Dunbarton, New Hampshire, native helped anchor Stony Brook's defense this season, starting all five games and tallying five ground balls and four caused turnovers.
 
"We are so happy that Sydney is returning," head coach Joe Spallina said. "She is someone that has worked so hard to get to the top, culminating in her being a starter and team captain. I love that she gets the opportunity to write the ending to her story, one that she has earned."
 
Gagnon joins fellow senior captains Ally Kennedy and Taryn Ohlmiller in declaring to return for a fifth year.
 
Said Gagnon: "I am so appreciative of this opportunity to rejoin my teammates and get another shot at winning a national championship. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I get to put on a Stony Brook uniform for another year."