2002 Women's Lacrosse Outlook

The 2002 Trinity College women's lacrosse team is poised to contend for the NESCAC Championship title, after a return to post-season action last spring. With the loss of just two players to graduation and the 2001 squad’s top four scorers among 22 returning players, Head Coach Kara Tierney (11-16, 3^rd season) has high hopes for the program’s 11^th winning season in the last 12 years.

The Trinity senior attack combination of captains Ashley Taylor and Anna Sullivan is as good as any in all of Division III women’s lacrosse. Taylor, a 2001 All-New England selection, set a new Bantam record for assists in a season with 35, along with 25 goals in 2001, while Sullivan led Trinity in scoring with 62 points (47 goals and 15 assists).

Junior Laura Davis, in her third season as a starter, makes keys the Bantams' aggressive offensive scheme with her playmaking, and tallied 11 goals last season. Sophomore Meredith Goeller earned a spot in the regular attack rotation and contributed three goals and two assists off the bench, and freshman prospect Liz d'Entremont is ready to contribute immediately on offense.

The defensive unit welcomes back junior Maria Lingnau, who will take over as the leader of the defense from departed All-American defender Mary Jacobs. Sophomores Kate Boothby, Alice Robinson, and Amanda Jones are much-improved, giving Coach Tierney four young but talented defenders. Boothby started every game in 2001.

Senior tri-captain and the team’s Most Improved Player in 2001, Kelly Jo Burnett returns to the starting goalkeeper spot with a year of starting experience under her belt. "With the experience of a full NESCAC season to go along with her athletic ability and technical skills, Burnett should be one of the league’s top goalies," says Tierney. Sophomore lefty Alexandra Benjamin will push Burnett after a year apprenticeship.

Junior Katie Bowman and Elizabeth Miller are both outstanding athletes and complete midfielders on offense and defense. In addition to her 19 goals and eight assists in 2001, Bowman led the Bantams with 42 draw controls at center. Miller finished third on the team in scoring with 48 points (39 g, 9a), and added 50 ground balls and caused 58 turnovers. Offensive-minded sophomores Betsy Walsh and classmate Rebecca Sullivan, who has developed into an excellent defensive player, gained valuable experience while learning on the job in their rookie seasons.  Freshman Beatrice Gratry is solid in all areas and will help the Trinity midfield right away.