Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photos By eric zitz

Women’s lacrosse dominates

By Ozzie Dhramapitaksook

addhramapitaksook@vwc.edu

After an unforgettable trip to the West Coast, the Virginia Wesleyan women’s lacrosse team has returned home desperate for revenge against conference rivals. The team has amassed a dominant conference record of 6-1, all in double-digit victories. Until Saturday’s loss to Roanoke College they were undefeated. As the season nears its end, the Marlins have accomplished an overall record of 11-4 with one conference game remaining in the regular season. With a young team and only one senior, the

Marlins are determined to improve their consistency entering the post-season.

Senior midfielder Jillian Boyd is leading the team in shots on goal with 80, including three game-winning goals. Sophomore attacker Laura Norris is the assists leader with 20. On the defensive side, sophomore Rachael Matteo and juniors Cara Tinelli and goalkeeper Ashley Sippel have all contributed in holding opposing team goals to 140 in comparison to the Marlins’ goal total of 207.

Last month, the women experienced a spring break like never before. The six night stay in San Bernardino, Calif. included entertainment and competition. They defeated the University of Redlands from California 16-9 highlighted by seven different Marlins scoring. Junior attacker Bethany Adomanis recorded four goals and two assists for the team.

Prior to the second game, the team attended the taping of the season premiere of ABC’s hit show, “Dancing With the Stars.” Famous stars on the show included pro football player Jason Taylor, tennis star Monica Seles, Olympic ice skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi and Las Vegas magician Penn Jillette.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said sophomore defender Elice Cuff. “We sat behind the judges and during commercial breaks they would entertain us. We also were able to interact with the stars after the show. It was a very memorable experience.”

The second of the two games ended in a disappointing 7-18 lost against New Jersey’s undefeated Ducks of Stevens Institute of Technology. At halftime, the Ducks held on to a 7-6 advantage. However, in the second half, the Ducks took full control and scored three consecutive goals in the first three minutes. Adomanis and Boyd each recorded two goals and an assist for the Marlins.

The vacation continued with a visit to Universal Studios. Freshman attacker Jordan Venetis arranged with her mother, an assistant movie director, for the team to be on the “Land of the Lost” set starring Will Ferrell. The team swarmed around the comedian as Ferrell humored them with jokes about the loss they had earlier in the day. He also enlightened the group with stories of his life and held a Q-and-A session specifically for the team.

The Marlins first spring break trip wrapped up with visits to Disneyland, Hollywood, Laguna Beach,

Fashion Island and the Mohave Desert.

As they returned to the East Coast, the Marlins catapulted into a six game winning streak, four of which were conference victories. The success has been credited to the team’s multiple scoring threats combined with the ability for the defense to work well together. Leadership on all levels and the team’s determination to be better than last year has also contributed to the Marlins’ attack in each game.

“The junior class has stepped up with leadership that grooms the freshmen and sophomores,” said third year head coach Fran Amasia. “We are a well-rounded and mature team that has learned a lot this season.”

Last week, they made a visit to Ashland, Va. for a match-up versus the Yellow Jackets of Randolph-Macon College. The Marlins jumped out to a 5-2 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Halftime began as the Yellow Jackets regained control and tied the game at seven apiece. In the second half, the Marlins added seven more goals. Throughout the entire game, there was not one lead change. Junior midfielder Kasey Marchwicki recorded two goals in each of the halves to lead the team to victory while Boyd added five of her own. They concluded the weekend with a loss against Roanoke College and a win against Shenandoah University.

As they enter the post-season, the Marlins plan to work on their biggest weakness: consistency. The team’s goal is to play all 60 minutes. Amasia wants them to work hard at scoring early and staying ahead. The chemistry the team built during spring break was a needed help as preparation for the post-season.

“The California trip brought our team together,” said Tinelli. “We spent a lot of hours together which has brought us closer together on the field. Now we are playing more as a team and not as individuals. We play as a team and we win as a team.”

The Marlins will wrap up their regular season with competition against the Generals of Washington and Lee University on Friday, Apr. 18 at 3:00 p.m. Senior day festivities will also take place before and after the game at Foster Field.