Lady Cavs prepare for Florida and new season

by BernadetteSmith staff writer

The women's lacrosse team has been training for their 2000 season since January, and they are anxiously waiting for spring break.

This team of 22 girls is now anticipating a successful season, with high expectations left from last year's team.

The 1999 team was undefeated in the PAC, and they made it to post-season play. They lost in the ECAC tournament by a score of 10 to 9. It was a great game and the girls were happy to appear in the tournament.

The Lady Cavaliers said goodbye to nine seniors last year, including four starters. The team is looking for other girls to step up and take their places.

They feel that this year's group of girls will be more than ready to take on the teams in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.

"Our line-up looks really strong and every girl really wants to play," Junior Angela Grassa explained.

Head coach Jackie Neary and assistant coach Melissa Michels have been holding morning and night practices to keep their team in shape.

Their team of highly skilled and talented girls can be seen running on the track and performing drills to improve their game.

Anyone who bas ever been on a winning team knows the pressure that comes attached to it. The opposing teams are out to get the "top dog" and will aim to destroy the team in first place.

This team is planning on attacking the season with confidence. They are not going to dwell on the past, they are only shooting for the future.

On Feb. 26, the Lady Cavaliers will hop on a plane and head down to Saint Petersburg, Florida.

A ritual that was started by fifth year head coach Jackie Neary, spring training has been held under the hot sun of a Florida sky.

A lot of teams are noted for traveling on Spring Break because there are no distractions.

The team can focus on improving. its lacrosse skills without worrying about homework and work.

The Lady Cavaliers are headed this year by three captains. Seniors Merrie Lewis and Gilda Zoccola, and junior goalie Christy Malone.

Each captain is excited about the season and looking towards winning the PAC again this year.

The new NCAA rule declares that if a team wins the title this year it is automatically qualified to participate in the NCAA tournament.

With one new first-year student and three new upper classmen, the team is anxious to get into the season.

'The team looks really good and we're alllooking forward to a great season," Grassa said.

The first women's lacrosse game is March 11 at Catholic University and the first home game is March l 8 against Bryn Mawr.