2008 Season Preview

 Under the guidance of first year coach Katie Augustine, the 2008 Women’s Lacrosse Program will look to this season as a chance to continue to develop a program with a strong history. Building on last years 6-8 finish, the Women’s Lacrosse team will look to build momentum early in the year in the hopes of reaching the postseason.

This season the team will look to Co-Captain Mary-Kate Geratowski ’08 (Wilder, VT -- Hartford) to guide both rookies and veterans alike on this years squad. As the only fourth year player on this year’s squad; Geratowski, will rely upon her three years of experience to guide a young and talented team this season.

Behind Geratowski, are fellow Captains, Erin Kendall ’09 (White River Junction, VT -- Hartford) and Lauren Mokes ’09 (Morganville, NJ -- St. John Vianney). This group of leaders will be instrumental in providing valuable leadership both on and off the field and will be looked upon to build a strong team chemistry for this year’s squad. Their experience will be invaluable as the Soaring Eagles look to make a run to run to the postseason this year.

Also returning for the Soaring Eagles is second year play and Empire 8 second team selection Perry Markell ’10 (Portsmouth, RI -- Portsmouth Abbey). Markell will be looked upon to stabilize the Elmira midfield this year along with Geratowski and Kendall who could also see time in net this season. Joining this year’s midfield line is first year player Sarah Ware ’11 (Chesterfield, MO -- Marquette) and Alison Novak ’10 (Wayland, MA -- Wayland) their tenacity and athleticism will add a valuable spark to an already talented midfield for the Soaring Eagles.

At the offensive end the Soaring Eagles will look to boost their offense by developing a stronger team offense. Looking to provide ignite the offense is Mokes, Sarah Young ’09 (Hampton, NJ -- North Hunterdon) and newcomer Georgia Markell ’11 (Portsmouth, RI -- Portsmouth Abbey). Rounding out the attack is Mina Schnell ’10 (Southboro, MA -- Algonquin). Schnell would be look to as an invaluable set up player in this season’s explosive offense.

In front of goaltender Jalene McCulloch ’10 (Belleville, ONT -- Millbrook School) this years Soaring Eagle defense will be led by a talented group of defenders who will anchor the team. With experience and talent this years defense will be led by Shelley MacDonald ’09 (Balderson, ONT -- Brewster Academy), Nicole Silva ’09 (Ashland, NH -- Londonderry), Amber Klages ’10 (Freeport, ME -- Freeport) and Kim Stanton ’10 (Jordan, NY -- Jordan - Elbridge) who will also see time at the offensive end of the field.

Joining this year’s team is a solid group of newcomers who will be essential in helping the team develop and grow throughout the season. At the head of the pack is Emily Zimmerman ’11 (Marcellus, NY -- Marcellus) who will look for valuable playing time in her inaugural season with the Soaring Eagles. Behind Zimmerman is Steph Hauck ’11 (Stonington, CT -- Stonington),Lauren Jasminski ’11 (Simsbury, CT -- Simsbury) and Mariah O’Connell ’11 (Candia, NH -- Bishop Brady).

The 2008 season for the Elmira College Women’s Lacrosse team should be a great year for a team that has had success in the past few seasons. With a new coaching staff and a combination of veteran leadership, and young talent the team will look to get back to the postseason.