WOMEN'S LACROSSE TEAM LOOKS TO BUILD OFF SUCCESS

Last season the Lycoming women’s lacrosse team recorded its first ever winning season. In just four seasons as a varsity sport, former head coach Gene Peluso built the team to a level of contention in the Middle Atlantic Conference. 

In 2000, the Warriors went 8-7 and produced three all-conference players. Senior Brenda MacPhail was named to the all-conference first-team for the third consecutive year. MacPhail was the MAC's leading goal scorer and was second in the conference in total points. She was also 7^th in the nation in the NCAA Division III in points per game as well as 8^th in goals per game.  

Joining MacPhail as all-conference selections were Darlene Moyer and Heather Wilt -- both second-team midfielders. Moyer and Wilt both possess natural leadership skills at the midfield position. While neither played in high school, in just three years, they have brought themselves to be two of the best midfielders in the conference.

Helping on the deep attack will be senior Hillary Barrett who was third on the team last season with 31 goals. The attacking duo of MacPhail and Barrett combined for 100 goals in 2000. Also on attack will be Colleen Kenyon who was fourth on the team with 26 goals a year ago. Sophomore Judith Pane will also be contributing on both ends of the field this season. While a defender in high school, she was converted to an attacker and the second leading goal scorer last year with 32 goals. Pane will also be used to solidify Lycoming's defense in certain games. 

Returning on defense will be Lisa Klein whose speed and endurance allow her to keep up with most opponents. Amy Hoffman will also be an important returning starter.

In goal for the Warriors will be Jess Miller. Last season was Miller’s first in the sport of lacrosse, but you wouldn’t have known from watching her play or reading her statistics. Miller was fourth in the conference with 224 saves and a save percentage of .524. 

In addition to the returning starters, Sarah Alexander, Karyn Wright, Liz McNassor and Amanda Brinegar are back after seeing significant playing time in 2000.

The first-year players this season will play a key role in taking the team to the next level. Elena McIntosh will contribute defensively. McIntosh played for Summit high school, one of the most competitive lacrosse programs in New Jersey. Also from a top notch high school program is Lauren Evangelist, who comes to us from Boyertown, Pa. and will also play a defensive and midfield roll. The other first-year players and future of the Lycoming lacrosse team are Sarah Gibbons, Jaclyn Kovaschetz, Tanya Kelly, Kim Murray and Natasha Simchack.

Lycoming will open up their season in Orlando, Fla. against Bates College, of Maine, and SUNY-Potsdam, located in New York. Playing teams their caliber will give the Warriors an opportunity for exposure at the regional and national level. Some key games throughout the season include Drew University, who is ranked 11^th in the country; Susquehanna University, the College’s regional rival; and Widener University. 

With the return of all but one player from a year ago and the addition of seven new players to the team, Lycoming is looking forward to increasing their competitiveness and qualifying for the conference tournament in 2001.