Feb. 14, 2013
PHILADELPHIA - Coming off of a 5-11 season that saw a majority of the senior class break into multiple career categories, including games played, goals, assists, and points, the women's lacrosse team will look to combine veteran experience with rookie talent in the 2013 season. Although the Hawks lost seven of last season's starters due to graduation, head coach Denise Roessler believes in both the dedication and versatility of her 18 returners and 10 newcomers.
"With a rigorous fall season behind us, I anticipate a strong, fit squad to compete this season," said Roessler. "We are looking for contributions from all of our classes."
NIAGARA
- Saint Joseph's will host Niagara this Sunday in a game scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Finnesey Field.
- The game will mark the first meeting between the two teams in program history.
- Niagara opens its season at Temple on Saturday afternoon.
ATTACK AND MIDFIELD
The trio of fifth-year senior Meghan McDevitt, junior Val Paolucci, and 2012 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie selection Julia Falcone will look to bolster the offensive line.
Roessler expects the experienced McDevitt to lead the attack as the standout has started 48 of 51 games in her career on Hawk Hill. Last season, the IWLCA Division I Academic Team selection ranked third on the team in scoring with 23 points (13g, 10a) en route to ranking fifth all-time in career assists (35).
Paolucci finished last season tied for second on the team in goals with 24 and tied for the team lead in assists with 10. The junior demonstrated her offensive power with two five-point games and will be expected to contribute again this season on the offensive end of the field.
After an all-star caliber rookie season in which she led all freshmen in scoring with seven goals, Falcone returns for her sophomore campaign after being named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team.
The Hawks will look to 2012 All-Philly Third Team selection Abby Ananian on both the attack and midfield this year. Last year, the junior led the team in draw controls en route to being ranked 12th nationally in the category.
Senior Maggie Mauer and junior Michele Granger will also return to the midfield this season, accompanied by sophomores Molly Curcio, Hannah Hutchins, Gianna Minutillo, and Hallie Pickard.
"They'll look to bring a spark to the offensive end," said Roessler.
Newcomers Bianca Angstadt, Emily Bowers, and Bonnie McShane will add to the attack, while freshmen Courtney Emanuele and Taylor Farrell will be expected to help in the midfield.
DEFENSE AND GOALKEEPER
Co-captains Alisha Aquilino and Brittany Hanrahan and senior Alexa Matthews will lead the defensive unit this season.
In 16 starts last season, Aquilino made 109 saves and posted a 11.13 goals against average on the season. The senior captain ranks third all-time in career goals against average with an impressive 9.31.
Hanrahan caused seven turnovers and picked up an equal amount of ground balls in 2012. The junior captain has started more than half of all games in her two-year career and will play a vital role on the defensive end this season.
Matthews played in all 16 games last season, with 15 starts, while picking up 16 ground balls and causing nine turnovers.
Roessler has high expectations for juniors Allison Heath, Kaitlyn McSwiggan, and Meghan Watkin to play integral roles on defense while seeking contributions from freshmen Caroline Hagan, Kelly Phelan, Alicia Singley, and Mary Margaret Tonner.
In addition to Aquilino's experience between the pipes, the Hawks will also look to sophomore Nora McGeever and freshman Genevieve Giblin. McGeever made three saves in three games last season, while Giblin is coming off of an impressively strong fall campaign.
OVERALL
On the season as a whole, Roessler expects the team holds great potential for success.
"Based off of the fall season, I believe that this team has great chemistry and a strong work ethic. With the addition of a strong and talented freshman class in every position, I anticipate significant contributions from all."
