Lacrosse ranked seventh in nation

By Paolo Posadas

Despite losing three key defensive players to graduation, the women's lacrosse team has continued its rapid ascent in the national standings. The team, currently ranked seventh in the nation out of more than 180 teams, opened its season with two tone-setting wins against division rivals UC-Santa Cruz and Chico State.

The momentum has carried over from last year, where they began 2002 ranked 114th yet finished at 14th with a 9-3 record overall.

"To say the least it has been a remarkable change in the demeanor and attitude of the way women's lacrosse is played at Santa Clara," said Head Coach Brendan O'Brien. "The goal for this year is to make it to the national championship for club lacrosse."

The road to the national championship, held in St. Louis, Mo., will not be an easy one.

"Our biggest competition in the north is Davis but the teams to beat are Cal Poly and UCLA," said junior co-captain Shiloh Uhlir.

Cal Poly won the tournament last year, and for the Broncos to prove their mettle, they will have to defeat them.

"We have played them twice in tournaments this year missing many of our starters, so we look forward to facing them in a month when we're at the top of our game, and showing them they're no longer champs," said sophomore Erin Stratta.

To accomplish the team's goal, they will have to rely on youngsters. O'Brien points to the defense as where youngsters will be paramount.

"After losing the heart of their defense to graduating seniors, they have a lot to shore up," he said.

Uhlir added, "We had a huge loss in our graduating class, not only in skills but also in leadership. We lost our goalie and two phenomenal defensive players."

Junior Teresa Martini has taken on the daunting task of playing between the pipes in her first year playing lacrosse. Teammates agree that Martini has done a remarkable job.

"She walked on the field this year green to the sport and accepted the immense challenge of becoming our new goalie," said Stratta. "She's undertaken the task with sincere focus and determination, and the results are astounding."

In addition, the defense has been bolstered by the improvement of senior Lindsey Back and sophomore Lauren Kida. This duo has stepped up to become the heart of the defense that has allowed only three points in each of their past two games. Back, the lone senior on the team, is who "everyone runs and talks to because everyone feels comfortable with her," said Kida.

Kida, the other and co-captain, "has dedicated so much time and effort to the team and truly cares about each and every person," said Stratta.

Coupled with their merciless defense, their offense has erupted in their first two games, averaging 10 goals a game. Sophomore Brenna Sweeney leads the offense, having played lacrosse for more than seven years. Her experience has proven invaluable on the field.

"She takes control of the offense," said Kida. "She knows how to settle the ball and make the team slow down and wait for the perfect shot."

Sweeney's goal-scoring has been key to the team's success.

"It's easy to get frustrated when you're working hard, but the games are what make it all worthwhile," Sweeney said. "Bringing home two wins, knowing you scored goals that mattered - that's such a rewarding feeling."

Last year's season was marked by many close calls. The three losses were by a combined total of five goals. This year, the team is pushing to improve on all aspects of the game - scoring more and giving up fewer goals.

The team goes to UC-Santa Barbara for a tournament this weekend, but the date circled on their calendars is March 8, when they play Cal Poly. The result will show how much they have progressed from last year.

"Last year's squad learned the game as it should be played - not by the efforts of a single individual but as a single unit seeking a goal they set as a team," said O'Brien. "This year's squad picked up right where they left off."