Feb. 18, 2008
The Georgetown University women's lacrosse team heads into the 2008 season with more unknown variables than usual. The Hoyas graduated 62 percent of its offense from last season, including three-time First Team All-American Coco Stanwick in addition to its top field defender and starting goalkeeper. All-BIG EAST defender Laura Cipro graduated as did two-time BIG EAST Defender of the Year Maggie Koch.
Fourth year head coach Ricky Fried will be relying on some inexperienced players to step in and make immediate contributions right away in 2008 as only six starting spots are filled heading into the season.
A host of new names will fill out the Hoya roster this season but the expectation of success should remain the same as the Hoya coaching staff has the number one rated freshman class in the country dressed in Blue and Gray. The class of rookies is primed to make an immediate impact and has already made contributions to the team this Fall.
The attack returns two familiar names in senior co-captain Zan Morley and junior Bunny O'Reilly. Morley ranked fifth on the team with 13 goals and 15 points and will lead by example. Morley is a consistent spark, lifting the offense with her 1v1 ability.
O'Reilly made a huge impression in her first season in the starting lineup ranking third on the squad with 24 goals and 37 points. Her speed and her scoring ability will be pivotal to the offensive success this season.
Sophomore Molly Ford finished with two goals last season and showed off some superb finishing skills and will be expected to increase her scoring output. This fall, Ford showed signs of having a break-out 2008 season for the Hoyas.
Highly touted newcomers Jacqueline Giles and Jordy Kirr should see significant time on the front line as the duo looks to make an immediate impact on the Hilltop. Both Giles and Kirr played in the 2007 Under Armour All-American game and should give Coach Fried options on the attack.
Junior Ashley Lopez and sophomore Sarah Seats have been in the program and can add additional firepower when called upon.
Freshmen Kathleen Dwyer and Allie Hubschmann are two high school All-Americans that Coach Fried will look to to cash in on scoring opportunities. Dwyer set the Illinois state high school record with 537 goals while Hubschmann was a member of the Czech National Team in the IFWLA U-19 World Championship in the summer of 2007.
Georgetown's most experienced group is the midfield.
Senior co-captain Patty Piotrowicz has started in every game in the last two years and is coming off a junior year where she led the team in ground balls. Piotrowicz was named All-BIG EAST second team for her steady play. The preseason All-BIG EAST selection will be looked to for her leadership and ability to set the tone on the field.
Junior Megan Bloomer is a high energy midfielder that earned her way into the starting lineup six games into the 2007 season and became an instrumental part of the midfield unit. Bloomer ranked eighth on the team in points last season and is arguably the team's most fit player. The Hoyas look for her to play more of a bigger offensive role.
Sophomore Ashby Kaestner led all newcomers last season with 14 points and tallied back-to-back hat tricks at Notre Dame and vs. George Washington. Kaestner will be part of the starting midfield and is a versatile player who contributes all over the field
Freshman midfielders MaryBeth Brophy and Logan McCraw will both be part of a second midfield unit that will be relied on to sustain the uptempo Hoya attack. Brophy is one of seven freshmen to participate in the Under Armour All-American game while McCraw is another Conestoga High School stars to bring her skills to the Hilltop.
A host of newcomers and inexperienced players are chomping at the bit to make their presence felt including sohomores Emily Bock and Caroline Shettle and freshmen Mary Wittelsberger, Catie Caputo and Maggie Trautman.
The defensive group will be looked upon to be as stingy as the Hoya back line has been in recent memory.
Junior co-captain Bridget Noon will anchor the defense. Noon moved from the midfield to the defense last season due to injuries and became one of Georgetown's most reliable contributors. Her understanding of the game will help her lead this athletic, yet inexperienced, group of players.
Senior Amelia Wesselink has been hampered by injuries throughout her career but is a hard-working defender with great instincts which will help her see more playing time.
Junior Jordan Trautman has started in every game in her first two seasons on the Hilltop and led the team with 19 caused turnovers a year ago. Moving to defense this season, GU will look to Trautman to be a take-away defender and jumpstart the transition attack.
Junior Katie Burton started her career as a midfielder but moved to the defense when Coach Fried made some personnel decisions. Burton played in 17 of the team's 18 games a year ago and showed consistent defensive skills with more playing time and increased confidence.
Junior Margot Ellis is a spark plug with her energy and enthusiasm. Ellis had her number called more and more as the season wore on last year and she looking to make even greater contributions in 2008.
Freshman Jenny Wolock is a solid 1v1 defender who has shown enough in the preseason to make her presence felt. Wolock has the potential to crack the starting lineup and provide an immediate impact on the game.
Sophomore Jacqueline Proch is a strong defender who gained valuable experience last season. Proch's understanding of the college game will help her fight for minutes on the defense.
Sophomore Melanie Hilbush missed some time last season due to injuries. Her athleticism and footwork will allow her to compete for minutes on defense as she becomes more and more healthy.
Sophomores Mallory Twist and Blake Sheehan saw limited action last season but will continue to push those in front of them.
Georgetown will have a new person manning the net this season after All-American Maggie Koch graduated her customary jersey number five.
Sophomore Caitlin Formby will get the first crack at the starting goalkeeping spot. Her awareness in goal and quick hands make her a formidable presence. Formby has shown terrific stickwork and excels at initiating the offensive transition with a wide array of outlet passes.
Freshman Lauren Thomas is a local product from nearby Alexandria, Va. is proven to be steady and consistent and is expected to see some quality minutes. Thomas will be looking to give the Hoya defense a boost when needed.
The Georgetown lacrosse team will have some new names and faces that will be contributing to the succes of the team in 2008 but the Hoyas have the talent in place to push for its eighth straight BIG EAST regular-season crown.
