Boston College Athletics
Women's Lacrosse Looking for a Strong 2000 Season
January 26, 2000 | Lacrosse
Jan. 26, 2000
After completing the fall season, Head Coach Mary Ann Foley-Schiller is optimistic about the coming women's lacrosse season. Last year's team went 4-11 and had trouble gelling as a team. This year, however, Foley-Schiller has seen an entirely different team take the field.
"This team has become a unit faster than any team I've had and is stronger than any of my previous teams," Foley Schiller said. "We are seeing the field so well. The women are using each other to set up plays and are making things happen.
"The women are using each other more to set up plays and move into an attacking position. We've had great midfield transition and much more ball movement, which leads to maintaining better position."
Several leaders have emerged from the fall season. Senior co-captain Jaime Baldante will lead the defense. Last year, she provided excellent defense while chipping in an assist from the midfield. "She is just so strong and a defensive force. She is an energized verbal communicator. Sophomores Kelly Boyle and Liz Herr will also be counted on for strong defense efforts.
On the offensive side, Foley Schiller is expecting bigger and better things in 2000. "Our midfield is so strong this year. They are seeing the width of the field so well," Foley Schiller said. "I expect more of an offensive balance this year."
Last season saw three players dominate the scoreboard: Emily Ryan, Susan Pitt and Lauren Miller. Ryan led the team with 49 goals, followed by Pitt with 25 and Miller with 23. The three combined for 86.5% of the team's offense. "Emily is the connector: the scoring power. Susan works well with everybody on the field and complements each player's strength. Lauren is an outstanding feeder and really knows how to take it to the cage," Foley Schiller said. However, for the team to be successful, more players need to take charge in the scoring column.
This season, with a more balanced offensive system, Foley Schiller expects several performers to step up. Junior Honor Crowther will be looked upon to add to the team's offensive threat. Egan will also be on the prowess from the backfield. These players, along with the big three of last season, will be relied upon to lead the young team.
In goal, Foley Schiller has two strong goaltenders in junior Melissa Cole and sophomore transfer Valerie Leuchs. Cole started all but one game last year for the Eagles. This season, Foley Schiller is looking for the goaltending tandem to elevate competition and better the overall team goaltending position.
"We've worked hard over four years to have a great team comaraderie and we have finally reached that point," Foley Schiller said. "Our on the field performance has definitely helped and this year should be a banner year for BC women's lacrosse."
