Women's lax now varsity
by Lin Ross

Women’s lacrosse changed from a club team to a varsity sport at Wesleyan this spring. This was due in part to a suggestion made by juniors Jenn Campioli and Lindsay Jackson to athletic director Don Forsythe.

The team’s coach, Michelle Burt, was a four-year starter on the women’s lacrosse team at Lock Haven University. While there she earned honors as a two-time All-American, and Conference Player.

“I’m excited to see how the first year will go,” said Burt.

Gender isn’t the only difference between men’s and women’s lacrosse.

“Women’s lacrosse is a game in which a lot more finesse is needed,” said Burt. “It’s much more difficult to catch a ball. There is a lot of skill involved.”

Also, there is no body contact allowed, whereas the men are allowed to check.

Returning from last year’s club team are juniors Jenn Campioli, Dionne Paniza, and Vickie Stackwick, and sophomores Andrea Provost and Leslie Urie. Of the 16 girls on the team, only half have previous experience. Of those, four have played for at least a year.

“We have a diverse team with a lots of potential for this season,”said Campioli.

Key players to watch this season are sophomore goalie, Brenna Rapp, who is a major factor on the defense level, sophomore Charity Gent, known for her aggressiveness, and junior Roxanne Coderre, who has a great deal of speed.

“We [the team] work very well together,” said Campioli. “Everyone works very hard. That is one of the most important qualities that a team could have.”

The team will fundraise to earn money to participate in the “Spring Fling 99,” which takes place in Panama City, Florida over Spring Break. This is an opportunity to play many different schools in one place.

One of Coach Burt’s biggest concerns is recruiting for next spring. With only 16 girls on the team (12 of whom are on the field at any one time), she is left with only four substitutes. Burt hopes to get more women interested in the sport and recruit more players, for a team total of 24. This is so she can field two different teams for scrimmages and practices.

The Lady Marlins kick off their season with a Play Day at Hollins College in Roanoke on February 28. Their first regulation game is March 1 at Hollins College, where they will take on Whittensberg University of Ohio.