When looking at the 2010 Allegheny women’s lacrosse roster, you will notice there is not much difference from last year. What you will see is the return of 16 letterwinners with the addition of three newcomers. The only things missing are the four seniors the Gators lost to graduation. What you may not notice is the top six goal scorers are back, who accounted for 190 of the 215 scored last season.
As a team, Allegheny ranked first in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) in most goals (14.33) points (18.47) and draw controls (15.27) per game. With such success in the statistics, the Gators 5-10 2009 season could have turned out to be an 11-4 record had the six games in which they lost by three or less goals, including two one-goal games, gone in their favor.
“Our focus this year is to improve every day,” said third-year head coach Paula Habel. “The key to improving is to play smart and value the possession of the ball.”
One of the main contributors offensively last season is tri-captain, Jensen Paterson. A two-time All-NCAC First-Team and IWLCA All-West Region Second-Team selection, Paterson set the school record for most points and draw controls in a season with 66 and 60, respectively. She led the team and ranked second in the conference in goals (53) and points per game (4.47). Paterson netted six goals on four occasions and tallied a team-high 10 draw controls twice.
Seniors Elissa Gordon and Christina Zanic were also appointed captains for the upcoming campaign. Gordon, who has played in every game the past two seasons and started in all 15 contests last year, will look to help the midfield more defensively and the contribute to the draw controls in 2010. Zanic also started in every game as a junior, ranking fourth on the team in goals (25) and fifth in points (30). Once again, she will provide experience and intelligence to the offense.
“Christina is the point guard of our attack,” said Habel. “She has a tremendous ability to settle the ball and knows when to push it.”
Kiah Voyer-Colbath, the 2009 NCAC Newcomer of the Year and All-Conference Second-Team choice, was another big reason for the strong Allegheny attack with 41 goals last season to rank second on the squad. She scored five goals on three occasions, while picking up 11 ground balls and winning 29 draw controls.
The Allegheny midfield is engorged with returning talent, featuring senior Meg Grossman. A two-time All-NCAC selection, she has started every game the last two seasons and has scored 67 goals in her three years. Grossman’s 38 goals in 2009 ranked third on the team and her 11 assists tied for second to help earn All-Conference Second-Team honors. Joining Grossman is junior Abby Silvester and sophomores Becca Crissman and Caitlin Hubel.
Silvester is one of the six top goal scorers returning from last year. After missing part of the season due to a broken leg, she still ranked fourth in points with 32 and fifth in goals with 21. Silvester was also generous with 11 assists. She recorded a career-high seven points with five goals and two assists in the win over Oberlin. Both Crissman and Hubel have improved significantly from last year and will look to extend their playing time from seven and four games, respectively.
Senior Kaitlan Biondi will be the force behind the defense in 2010, a defense that is turning into a more proactive core and showing signs of improvement every day. Like Grossman, Biondi has played in every game the past three seasons and started in all 15 contests last year. She scooped up 14 ground balls and caused five turnovers. Biondi tallied a season-high five ground balls against Rochester.
Senior Emily Hoar converted from midfield to defense this season after contributing 10 goals and three assists in 2009. Colleen Silky, Katie Conway, Gabriella Tetelman and freshman Noelle Brouillard will also make an impact at the defensive side of the ball. Silky provides a strong presence in the back, while Brouillard could make the most impact this season with her knowledge and improving stick stills. Tetelman, who missed last season due to an injury, will add depth to the defense.
When it comes to goaltending, the Gators are in a good predicament with having three options to go to. Senior Rachel Coons is the returning starter from last year, but will be challenged by junior Becca O’Shurak and freshman Gillian Green. Coons made 116 saves, including a career-high 16 against Keene State last season. O’Shurak gained valuable experience in eight games during her first season on the team, making 21 stops for a .350 save percentage. Her efforts in the off-season have helped in her push for the starting position this year.
Allegheny opens its 2010 season on the road at Frostburg State on March 9, before the home opener against Alfred on Saturday, March 13. The Gators then head to West Palm Beach, Florida over spring break and return home for three straight contests with the first against NCAC opponent, Ohio Wesleyan on March 27.