LACROSSE TEAM IN PRESEASON TOP 20
The Old Dominion women's lacrosse team was ranked 19th in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Association (IWLCA) Preseason Poll, announced Thursday, Feb. 12.
The Old Dominion Lady Monarchs finished the 2003 season with a 12-4 overall mark and a 7-0 record in regular season Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) action. The women's lacrosse squad also closed out the season ranked 19th in the final IWLCA Poll. Earlier this year, the Lady Monarchs were ranked 15th in Lacrosse Magazine's Preseason Poll.
The 2004 version of the Lady Monarch lacrosse squad features 18 letterwinners and nine starters from last year's squad. Additionally 11 newcomers grace this year's roster. Old Dominion graduated just three varsity letterwinners from last year's squad, however, 2003 graduate Danielle Hensil, the Lady Monarchs' fourth leading scorer in all-time history, returns to this year's team as a volunteer assistant coach.
Old Dominion returns the nation's top scorer in senior Suzanne Wosczyna, who last season led all Division I women's lacrosse athletes in points and goals per game. She led the team, league, and the nation by netting 45 goals and added in 32 assists for 77 points. Other top returners to the offense include junior Melody Shotwell (43 goals, 9 assists, 52 points), senior Janine Rodriguez (21 points, 13 assists, 34 points), and senior Molly Coane (13 goals, 5 assists, 18 points).
Defensively, Old Dominion welcomes back senior Kelly Jefferys (16 groundball, 9 turnovers), sophomore Sarah Wosczyna (18 groundballs, 7 draw controls), senior Erin Lindsey (13 groundballs), along with sophomore goalkeeper Michelle Gannon (.485 save percentage, 10.63 GAA).
The 2004 season opens on March 6th at American, while Old Dominion's home opener at Foreman Field takes place on March 13th versus UMBC. The CAA slate opens on April 2 at George Mason. Four opponents on this year's schedule are also featured in the poll - #2 Maryland, #3 Virginia, #8 James Madison, and #11 North Carolina. Additionally, Richmond, Delaware, Rutgers, and George Mason, who also appear on this year's Lady Monarch schedule, were receiving votes.