Women's Lacrosse: Eagles Look To Move Forward In Second Varsity Season
Senior Ashley Atkins returns as an anchor to the Eagle midfield in 2010.
Nashua - Entering their second season as a varsity program, the Daniel Webster College women’s lacrosse program will look to show improvement in all facets while keeping an eye on future success in 2010.
Second year Head Coach Caitlin Connolly welcomes the return of nine letter winners from last season’s club that posted a 2-9 overall record, playing a NCAA Division III independent schedule. The Eagles also welcome seven newcomers to the fold.
The Eagles open their 11-game season Thursday visiting Lasell College.
The Eagles struggled out the of gate, but began to slowly improve and captured two wins over their final five outings including victories over St. Joseph’s (Conn.) and Thomas College in their season finale.
“We showed progress as a first year program and we look forward to continuing that goal in 2010,” said Connolly. “Our goals are basic. We expect to see improvement in every facet. I think we’re capable of a better record this season.”
The Eagle offense is paced by the return of sophomore Natalie Bates (N. Kingstown, R.I.) who finished second in team scoring with 24 goals and one assist for 25 points.
From there, the Eagle offensive production will be entirely new as only senior Chelsea Graf (Danbury, N.H.) and Eveline Lopes (Dorchester, Mass.) scored goals last season. The Eagles will also look for development from sophomore Amy Prince (Hope Valley, R.I.) as well as newcomers Samantha Bark (Belfast, Maine), Samantha Cotoni (Groton, Mass.) and Tracie Busch (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.).
In the midfield, the Eagles will have experience in the likes of Graf and Ashley Atkins (Amherst, N.H.) along with junior Erin Pedersen (Watertown, N.Y.). Rookies Stephanie Zeman (Jefferson Township, N.J.), and Kaylea Parkin (Red Hook, N.Y.) will compete for starting minutes.
Defensively, sophomores Charlene Gordon and Nancy DeMartini (Woodbridge, N.J.) return, while newcomers Samantha Blais (Windsor Locks, Conn.) and Maeghan Farrelly (N. Kingstown, R.I.) will add depth.
In goal, Sarah Twardowski (Buffalo, N.Y.) will see the bulk of minutes, after starting all 11 games last year on defense.
The Eagles open their season on the road visiting Lasell, Nichols, and Thomas and then open their home schedule against Elms College on April 1st.
Home games also include Simmons, New England College, Anna Maria College and Becker College.
The Eagles also visit Rivier College, St. Joseph (Conn.) and Green Mountain College.
