Feb. 16, 2012
WASHINGTON - Two Georgetown University women's lacrosse players currently sit on the Tewaaraton Award Watch List as the Greater Washington Sports Alliance announced its preseason list on Wednesday. Senior captain Kelly Barnes (St. Davids, Pa./Radnor) and junior midfielder Sophia Thomas (Lutherville, Md./Maryvale Prep) were among the 53 honorees and two of the eight from the BIG EAST Conference.
Barnes is a defender and a returning captain who has already received Preseason All-America and All-BIG EAST honors. She earned her second-consecutive spot on the All-BIG EAST team with a nod to the Second Team at the conference banquet in 2011. The defender started all 17 games and ranked third in ground balls with 27 as well as third in caused turnovers with 17. Barnes also had one goal to her credit this past season.
Thomas was a Third Team All-America honoree a season ago and has already received Preseason All-America and All-BIG EAST recognition this year. She was a Second Team All-South Region selection after a breakout season. In 2011, she was honored with the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year award and a spot on the All-BIG EAST First Team marking milestones in her young career. The sophomore led the team in goals with 37 and also has eight assists to her credit for 45 points. The midfielder had the most ground balls (42) and caused turnovers (33) on the squad, as well as ranking third in draw controls with 24. She was on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll three times last season.
Georgetown finished last season with a record of 9-8 after winning the BIG EAST Regular Season Championship for the fourth-consecutive year. GU was ranked No. 18 in the final poll from Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association.
The Hoyas lost seven seniors, including five starters, from a season ago, but return three of their top four scorers.
The BIG EAST coaches picked the Blue & Gray to finish first in the conference's preseason poll. GU is currently ranked No. 13 in the deBeer Women's Media Preseason Poll and No. 15 by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association.
Georgetown will start off 2012 hosting the University of Delaware Blue Hens at Multi-Sport Field on Feb. 29. Delaware is new to the Hoyas' schedule this season.
