Athelete of the Week

Jimmy McCumber Staff Writer

Under the scoring prowess of Liberty League leader Ali Fantl ’07, the women’s lacrosse team has been one of the nation’s most improved teams over the past three years, going from 3-11 in 2004 to 8-9 in 2005. Despite an 0-4 start in Liberty League play this season, the team is 6-5 overall and aiming for its second winning season ever.

Fantl has been a key player in this transformation, as she currently leads the Liberty League in both goals and points, and is second in assists. She has shown huge scoring totals this year by scoring six goals in a season-opening win over Colby-Sawyer College, and by netting seven goals against Wellesley College.

“We’ve had some good wins, but we haven’t won any conference games yet, which has been disappointing,” said Fantl. “We definitely want to come out over .500 this year and spoil one of the big teams like William-Smith that we aren’t supposed to beat.”

Fantl has started all 11 games this season and has accrued 16 assists and 36 goals in only 49 shots. Her 52-point total is already threatening the all-time Vassar record of 55 points, and Fantl still has four games left in the season.

Fantl could completely rewrite the Vassar scoring record book in the next two years. The single season records of 46 goals, 26 assists, and 55 points are all within reach, especially if the Brewers qualify for post-season play this year. Fantl’s lifetime totals of 96 goals, 43 assists, and 139 points could also affect the career records in all three categories next spring.

“[Fantl] has been unbelievable. Every time we get caught behind, she takes it to the other team,” said Head Coach Judy Finerghty. “She comes alive when things get tough and she makes things happen.”

With Fantl around for another year and a team that continues to improve each year, the future of Vassar lacrosse looks bright. “The intensity has increased every year that I’ve been here,” said Fantl. “The expectations have increased, and teams take us more seriously now.”