Women’s lacrosse utilizes new training for upcoming season

CHRIS ROGERS STAFF WRITER

CLR723@CABRINI EDU

Armed with wooden sticks, the women’s lacrosse team enters the season with hopes of battling their way to the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. “Not only are we going to compete against top level teams, but we’re going to win. Our definite goal for the season is to make it all the way to the PAC Championships,” Jacky Neary, head coach of the women’s lacrosse team, said.

Even though last year’s efforts did not amount to such expectancies, this year’s team sees more potential for success. “We have 27 players on squad this season, making it one of largest lacrosse teams we’ve had,” Neary said. Despite the sudden departure of valued goalie, Jamie Knobler, three candidates are competing for the position, giving much hope to this year’s team.

Accordingly, the team turned to Cabrini’s track coach, James Williams, for a more in-depth training, “We’re trying something new this year, with the hope to learn new stuff and improve our overall speed,” Neary said. During his career as head coach at West Chester University, Williams trained many student-athletes who qualified for Nationals.

Melissa Modesti, Allison Saches and Megan Farrell said that the practices are extremely challenging but good for the girls’overall performance. They are all looking forward to the Florida trip this spring break.

Over spring break, the team will be leaving behind the frozen fields of Pennsylvania and overcrowded gym, for a week of intense training down in Florida.

“This is really the meat of it all. We will be able to practice twice a day and really focus on playing larosse,” Neary said. Players view this trip as a means to meet fellow teammates, as well as create a bond essential for the team’s outcome,

Modesti, Saches and Farrell said that they are like a family, so they feel that they need to get to know some of the girls and create a bonding experience with them.

Though this trip remains necessary for the overall condition of the team, many valued players are strengthening the team’s outlook for a successful season. For instance, freshmen Katelyn Penrose and Kerri Ricker both participated in State playoffs while attending their high schools. “We’re really excited to have them on our team,” Neary said. “These are quality freshmen.”

Amongst other players, the team is counting on returning defendants, Mary Proietta and Amy Pia, as well as team captains, Melissa Modesti, Julie Smith and Ann Marie Greenwald, to lead the team to their f inal goal: the PAC Championship.