WOMEN'S LACROSSE OPENS 2011 SEASON AT BECKER
WESTON, Mass.—The Regis College women’s lacrosse program will open its 2011 season March 10 at Becker College. Following a 1-13 season from a year ago, the Pride, under the direction of first-year head coach Liz Conant, enter the season with experience, talent, and depth to its advantage.
Regis College is carrying a 20-player roster, with 10 returnees from last season. Of its first-year players to the team, sophomore goalie Meghan Ryan (Stow, Mass./Iona College) will anchor a program filled with new talent. Its nine freshmen will contribute to a roster with promising skill and knowledge of the game.
Returnees to watch
Teresa Crevier (Milford, Mass./Montrose) returns as the programs leading goal scorer from a season ago. Crevier had a team-high 35 goals in 14 games played last year. She managed 88 shots and 70 shots on goal to finish the season with an impressive .795 shots on goal percentage. Much of Regis’ offensive production came from Crevier, and teammate Evonne Orozco. Orozco posted 10 goals for Regis College on the season.
In Regis’ 17 regular season games, it will need to find ways to complement Crevier’s scoring ability with its new talent. Not including Crevier, only two returning Regis College players posted scores. Kristen Amicangioli and Alisha Grasso each scored a goal in the season.
Amicangioli often played defense for the Pride, and will likely continue to help Regis College from that side of the field. Grasso, who is listed as an attacker, should improve on her season statistics from last year. Amicangioli should also improve on her 12-ground ball, and three draw control performance from last year.
Attack
Given ample experience on both the offensive and defensive sides of the field, Regis College should improve in all areas from last year.
With seven attackers on the roster, including returnees Grasso, Natalie Knight, and Laura Lombardi, freshmen Dorika Benard, Carleen Njoku, Paula Hernandez, and Tana Presutti-Dicenso will surely benefit from veteran experience and available playing time.
With the depth at this position specifically should play into a competitive advantage for Regis College.
Considering the talent at the attack position, friendly competitive battles are a must, and will give Regis College the ability to put its best attackers on the field to win.
Midfield
Five middie’s are on this year’s roster, including standout Crevier. With a midfield that produces scoring opportunities like Crevier did in 2010, Regis is almost bound to tack on wins to its career totals.
Joining Crevier are two-sport athletes Teresa Busiek and Andrea Barbosa, returnee Franli Bencosme, and freshman Lindsey Graver.
Second to Crevier, Bencosme has the midfields second best shot and shots on goal percentage (.750). She posted four shots on the season, but made an impact collecting nine ground balls, and winning six draw controls.
Busiek, Barbosa, and Graver will certainly add depth to the position. Expect all five players to see playing time until a solid cohesion forms in playing styles.
Defense
Regis College returns seven defenders from last season, including Alycia Murray (Danvers, Mass.) who spent several games as goalie for the Pride. Murray had 65 saves last season, and will likely split time with Ryan.
Melissa Choz was one of the team’s top defenders last season, as she captured 22 ground balls, won four draw controls, and had just nine turnovers.
She will partner with Amincangioli to teach freshmen Alanna Mallegni and Lola Awah the essentials of a sound defense. Christina Estrada also returns to the defensive position.
Overall
The Pride is more than capable at having a good season, and its depth will certainly help against tougher opponents. With talent on both sides of the field, a solid two-goalie system, and the return of Regis’ most dominant scorer all add an upside to the season.
With a freshman class that has lacrosse experience, Conant will certainly be able to mold their talents into a winning attitude. The program will see improvement throughout the season as players learn their roles, understand Conant’s system, and become comfortable with playing college athletics.
Veteran leadership will be a must, as many first-year players will see playing time. Regis College opens the 2011 season at Becker (Mar. 10), before returning to campus for a three-game home stand versus Emmanuel (Mar. 17), Endicott (Mar. 19), and Mount Ida (Mar. 21).