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Getting Up to Speed for Merrimack Women’s Lax, PDS Alumna Ruf Produced Superb Debut Season

Source: Town Topics · Jul 29, 2026, 12:40 AM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Shelby Ruf guards the crease area during a Merrimack College women's lacrosse game in her freshman season

Shelby Ruf, a former Princeton Day School standout, has made an impressive mark in her freshman year at Merrimack College as a defender for the women's lacrosse team.

Playing in all 17 games during her debut season, Ruf demonstrated strong defensive fundamentals and intensity, accumulating 15 ground balls, seven caused turnovers, and three additional significant plays.

Her solid performance as a starter sets a promising foundation for her college athletic career.

Key points

  • Shelby Ruf, a PDS alumna, started all 17 games in her first season as a defender for Merrimack College women's lacrosse
  • She recorded 15 ground balls and seven caused turnovers during her freshman campaign
  • Ruf's strong defensive play and intensity in the crease area earned her a starting position from the outset of the season

FAQ

Who is Shelby Ruf and where did she attend high school?
Shelby Ruf is a freshman defender for Merrimack College women's lacrosse who graduated from Princeton Day School (PDS) in New Jersey. She has quickly established herself as a key defensive contributor for the Merrimack team.
How did Shelby Ruf perform in her first college lacrosse season?
Ruf had a successful freshman campaign, starting in all 17 games for Merrimack. She contributed 15 ground balls, seven caused turnovers, and three other significant plays, demonstrating strong defensive fundamentals and intensity.
What position does Shelby Ruf play?
Ruf plays as a defender for Merrimack College women's lacrosse, primarily focusing on guarding the crease area where she displays her intensity and defensive skills.

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