Women's lacrosse season preview

Catherine Twardy Guest Writer

Despite the heavy recent snowfall, the women’s lacrosse team is already gearing up for an exciting Spring 2005 season. Tuesday, Feb. 1 marks the beginning of preseason for the Brewers, who are looking to improve on last year’s 3-11 overall record.

With 11 returning players and a remarkable eleven rookies, however, this doesn’t seem to present too much of a challenge. Senior captains Kaitlin Harvie, Emily Learner, and Emilie Moeckel are ready to lead the charge to victory. “I’m more excited to play on this team than any other out of my seven seasons because we have a stronger core of returning players and we have way more talent in the rookies,” said Harvie.

Although only 1-7 in the Liberty League last year, Head Coach Judy Finerghty and the entire team are working hard to create a strong presence in the league. “Everyone in our league is competitive,” said Harvie of the team’s opponents. However, the Brewers definitely have their hopes set on certain targets. “We just don’t have any love for Skidmore, ever,” said Finerghty of their long time rival. Learner is hoping to defeat Swarthmore, after “losing two times in a row from one point deficits” in the past two years.

The Brewer women, however, must overcome some key obstacles for a successful season, including Vassar’s lack of turf. “RPI plays so that they can bounce balls off the turf,” said Learner, a completely different shot to defend for any goalie used to playing on our soft, grass surface. “Ground balls are hard too,” but the Brewers are working to conquer these problems by practicing on the indoor Bays tennis courts.

The Brewers not only possess the skills for a winning season, but their optimistic attitudes on and off the field are also making a huge impact. “I think there’s a lot of deep-seated passion in the lacrosse players. Everyone has a real desire to do what it takes to win…to work hard, to get in shape,” said Finerghty. Even newcomer Bernie Wu ’07 is excited about “the intensity of the entire team and game.”

With such a strong core of players and such upbeat attitudes, no obstacles seem too daunting for these women. “The team has the right balance on paper,” Finerghty said. “We have a really great set of upperclassmen and a strong leadership preference, but we also have a good level of underclassmen excitement. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”