Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Lacrosse Opens 2006 Campaign Tuesday vs. Binghamton
2/27/2006 7:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Feb. 27, 2006
After turning in a terrific fall record of 6-1-1 and allowing only 4.0 goals per game, head coach Jess Spadafora and the rest of Bucknell's women's lacrosse program is ready for the 2006 spring season to get underway.
The Bison, who were picked to finish fifth in the Patriot League preseason poll, open their 2006 campaign on Tuesday at 4 p.m. against Binghamton at Graham Field.
The opener begins what figures to be a challenging schedule, as the Bison play competitive teams such as Virginia Tech, St. Bonaventure and Penn State to help them prepare to contend for a Patriot League title.
Later in the week, Bucknell plays twice more at home, with Penn State coming to Graham Field on Thursday, followed by Davidson on Saturday. League play will begin at Lafayette on March 9, followed by a spring break road trip to Davis, Calif., where the team is scheduled to battle Columbia and UC Davis, on March 13 and 15, respectively.
Here is a team breakdown by position:
Attack
The attack unit will be led by First Team All-Patriot League honoree senior Emily Burman, who led the 2005 Orange and Blue with a team-high 23 goals and was second on the squad in points, with 55, behind graduating senior and all-league selection Andrea Paraud, who had 56. During the fall season, Burman tallied 14 scores and will be the Bison's veteran attacker in 2006.
Sophomore Elizabeth Whipple, who saw action in all 15 possible games last season, with 10 starts, will also be a threat on the attacking end, as she is an intelligent player and a forceful finisher.
Junior Erin Weinstein has improved vastly from last season and proved herself as a strong attacker in the fall and will provide Bucknell the speed it needs to be effective.
New additions to the attacking constituency will be freshmen Sarah Collins and Jackie Bodnar. Collins is a very smart offensive player and has the ability to see scoring opportunities unfold, while also possessing a rocket-like shot around the crease. Bodnar is a solid offensive threat with a quick and accurate scoring ability.
Sophomore Ashley Flood may also make a contribution this spring, along with freshmen Bridget LaCroix and Casan Van Langen, whose powerful shots could also land them some playing time.
Midfield
Junior tri-captain Lauren Kremer will anchor the midfield, as she serves as both a threat on offense and on defense with outstanding speed and concrete stick skills. Senior Tory Field possesses the ability to play on the offensive and defensive ends, but Spadafora will look to Field primarily to be part of the squad's defensive midfield.
Sophomore Lauren Deitrich led last year's squad on the defensive end with 16 caused turnovers, but the coaching staff plans on utilizing her quickness in the Bison's midfield transition in 2006.
Freshmen Colleen Evans and Bonnie Buechel should have an immediate impact in the midfield position.
"Colleen [Evans] is a mentally sharp player, which, combined with height, allows her to see the play develop ahead of other players on the field on both the offensive and defensive ends," says Spadafora. "She knows where to go and gets there and can also find ways to put the ball in the back of the net."
Buechel has the needed speed to be an effective midfielder, and also has the ability to finish the play, which could land her playing time at either the midfield position or as part of the attacking unit.
Defense
Two-time All-Patriot League honoree and senior tri-captain Rachel Prowler will lead the Orange and Blue on defense in 2006.
"Rachel [Prowler] will anchor our lower defense this year," remarks Spadafora. "She is our defensive captain and works hard to keep the defense in synch."
Junior Shauna Weinstein and senior Jenny Osborn are both quick and aggressive and will add depth to the defensive line-up, while newcomer Catherine Barry is also expected to contribute.
"Catherine [Barry] has extremely developed stick skills for a defender and is very confident," says Spadafora. "She fits in very well with our veteran defensive group."
Freshmen Alex Radebaugh, Alex Hulme and Nikki Chacosky should also provide depth to the defensive unit.
Senior tri-captain Lizzy McDaniel will be looked upon to defend the goal for her final season for Bucknell.
"Lizzy's [McDaniel] speed and maturity is what will give her success this year," explains Spadafora. "We will expect her to keep the defense confident with her leadership in the crease."
Junior Kristin Gaines could also see some time between the posts.
