Lax Pumped For New Coach

Team Ready to Challenge for Fourth NCAC Title

Under the guidance of new Head Coach Elizabeth Graham and senior co-captains Irit Altman, Sarah Bergman and Lydia Ries, the women's lacrosse team is preparing to take the NCAC by storm once again. Although the Yeowomen were unsuccessful in their attempt for a bid in the 1999 NCAA Tournament, they are poised to go straight to the top this season. Despite losing to Denison in the first round of the playoffs last year, the team is re-energized with a new coach and a renewed team spirit that strengthens the team's bond on and off the field.

"It has definitely been a transition, but I think we have a lot of things working for us to make this season really successful," said Bergman. One of those things is Graham. "She has lots of ideas, and she's really helping to develop the defense," said Bergman.

Another strength is the return of Assistant Coaches Blake New and Katherine Roberts. "We are blessed to have Coach New. He can work spectacular things with the attack," said Ries. Of Roberts, Altman said, "Katherine is an extremely knowledgeable player and has a keen eye for what is happening on the field." New has been working with the team for three years, and Roberts, OC '98, returns two seasons after her last campaign as a stand-out player for OC.

The Yeowomen are further buoyed by new players such as first-year Patia Maule and returning players junior Mary Sara Salvania at midfield, junior Alex Grindle in goal, sophomore Kathryn Lanouette on defense and senior Maggie McFalls on attack. Coach Graham also praised the tri-captains as a big reason for the team's strength, saying that the three stand out in execution and leadership on and off the field.

"Another thing that excites me is our freshman contingent because they are all strong, confident and wonderful women," said sophomore Anne Burns. The number of players who have come out are up from last year, which is also beneficial to the team.

The bonds of this close team will surely be reinforced as they make the spring break trek to Colorado, where they will play Colorado College and Regis College. Colorado College, consistently one of the top 15 teams in the country, will be a big game for the team. It also will be a taste of things to come should the team be successful in their bid for Nationals, since Colorado College is part of their region in the tournament. This year the winner of the Conference automatically goes to Nationals, which should help the squad, who in the past has won the Conference but was denied a bid.

After spring break, the team returns to Ohio to push on and achieve their season's goals. Graham said these goals include "winning every game that we play," including those against their two toughest competitors, Colorado College and conference rival Denison. Bergman emphasized the need to remain diligent, saying the team must "work at [getting to Nationals] in little steps. That means keeping focused, keeping practices intense and really pushing each other." She included Ohio Wesleyan, Kenyon and Wooster as tough NCAC competitors this season, along with Denison.

Although the Yeowomen have not yet competed within their conference, their scrimmage on Feb. 25 at the University of Pittsburgh provided them with a solid win. "It went pretty well," says Graham. "We won 8-7." The Yeowomen's first official game is against Indiana University of Pennsylvania. "I don't think they will be one of the toughest teams, but they are usually a solid program," says Graham. "It will come down to what we have learned in practice and if we execute it." The teams will square off at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 22 on North Fields.