High expectations are looming for this year's Saint Joseph's University women's lacrosse team. Despite finishing last season with a record of 5-10 overall, 2-3 in Atlantic 10 play, the Hawks advanced to the Atlantic 10 Championship for the first time in school history. The Hawks return nine starters from last year's squad, while adding eight newcomers to this season's roster. "Our experience is our strength," states head coach Denise Szatkowski. "We have a tremendous amount of leadership on the team this season." Seniors Anne Blank and Melissa Hieber along with junior Kelly Butler, will captain a young squad that includes 12 underclassmen. Entering her fourth year, Szatkowski has put together a squad that has the potential to make another legitimate run for the Atlantic 10 Tournament. "Our goal this year is to take one game at a time," explains Szatkowski. "What we ultimately would like to do is to return to the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Taking one game at a time will help us to get there." Attack After losing top scorer and Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year Bernadette Smith scoring could be a problem for SJU this season. Nevertheless, with the return of juniors Shannon Hungate and Brett Dymarczyk and sophomore Kristin Teklinsky the ball may be able to find the back of the net. Hungate was second on the team in scoring last season as a sophomore with 18 goals and 24 assists. She was the first freshman to lead SJU in scoring with 53 points and 31 goals during the 2000 season. Dymarczyk enjoyed a solid campaign as a sophomore in 2001, scoring 12 goals while dishing out five assists. Dymarczyk suffered a broken jaw at midseason, but was able to recover and come through for the Hawks after netting the game-winning goal over La Salle to take the team to the Atlantic 10 tournament. Teklinsky had a breakout rookie season, netting 17 goals and handing out five assists for a total of 22 points for the Hawks (fourth on the team). Junior Lauren Foley, who played in 11 games and scored five goals last season, broke her arm during pre-season and is out indefinitely. Marcie Weinzettle also adds depth at attack. Newcomer Shannon Scott, a three-time All-Chestmont honoree, will compete for starting time this season and could provide depth at attack for the Hawks. Scott started every game for the Hawk field hockey squad in the fall. Midfield Returning for her final season at midfield, Hieber will lead a young but seasoned squad that includes fellow senior Maura McNamara. Emerging as one of the team's top midfielders, Hieber tallied one goal while nabbing 28 groundballs. She also caused a team-high 19 turnovers. Hieber is the only player to have started every game for the past three seasons. McNamara competed in 13 games for SJU last year, tallying two assists. An All-conference choice in field hockey, Butler saw action in every game last season. Making four starts, she netted five goals and nabbed 20 groundballs. Sophomore Amie Schmoltze emerged last season as the Hawks' third leading scorer. She tallied 16 goals and seven assists, (23 points), earning A-10 Rookie of the Week honors. Szatkowski will look to several newcomers to step up right away. Freshman Melissa O'Meara will compete for a starting spot. A two year performer out of Haverford High, O'Meara will be an asset to the 2002 season. Defense Defense will be a strength for SJU this season as the Hawks return four starters including seniors Katie Helder and Blank. Helder contributed one goal for the Hawks last season, while causing 5 turnovers and picking up 20 groundballs. Blank, an Academic All-District choice, tallied four goals and two assists for six points, while also causing nine turnovers. Junior Kathleen Burke and sophomore Megan Gresh will also be major contributors on the back line for SJU. An aggressive defender, Burke saw action in all 15 games, making 14 starts and picking up 21 groundballs. Gresh played in 14 games, starting 12, and dished off three assists, while nabbing 29 groundballs. Sophomore Jen Enoch will also provide depth on defense. After earning all-conference honors for the field hockey team in the fall, Szatkowski will look for senior Lauren Bradley to step up her level of play in goal this season. A four-year starter between the pipes, she turned back 143 shots last season, while posting a 13.01 goals against average. Newcomer Kimberly Williams will compete for playing time in front of the net.