Surrounded by a cloud of high expectations, Dartmouth women's lacrosse team begins preseason practice today. The Big Green had a successful 2004 spring season, ending the year with an 11-6-0 overall record.
Dartmouth has been anything but idle during the off-season. In addition to scrimmaging Harvard this fall, Dartmouth participated in a tournament facing in-state rival UNH, along with UMASS and UCONN.
Co-captain Sarah Sanborn '05 commented, "This year has a really unique feel given the opportunities we have had to come together and play together before Feb. 1. Our fall season and Fall term were great -- we had lots of fun and much success. Our coaches have been supportive and creative in helping us use the time we spend together on and off the feild to understand each other better as teammates, and it's had a visible impact."
After a busy fall, on Dec. 9th the Dartmouth women travelled down under to play against the heralded Australian national team and other Aussie lacrosse clubs.
In between picking up ground balls and firing shots on goal, the Big Green found time to explore the Outback, touring the Sydney Opera House, visiting the beautiful beaches at Bondi, Bronte and Coogee, white-water rafting and investigating an indigineous wildlife petting zoo.
The Australian summer heat did not seem to phase the Dartmouth girls as they held their own against the Australian National Team, losing to them only 8-7 in their second game.
Back in Hanover, the Big Green are excited for the upcoming season. With eight returning staters, Dartmouth has its eyes focused on an Ivy League title. Because this winter the girls went through a more rigorous training program than in past years, they are in inpeccable shape and ready for the season.
Sanborn, who started in all 17 games last season, will return to her post in the midfield where she will remain a huge presence both offensively and defensively. Also coming back in the midfield is senior superstar Katieanne Christian. Coming off an exceptional 2004 seaon, Christian is expected to dominate the center draw. Leah Skypeck '05 will also add a senior presence to the midfield.
Junior sensations Mary Casey Hazel and Kristen Zimmer will be joining Skypeck, Christian and Sanborn in the middle, as they look to further ignite Dartmouth's offense. Hazey recorded 17 goals and 11 assists in 2004, while Zimmer added 12 goals and scooped up a team high of 50 groundballs.
Annie Leibowitz '06 and Whitney Douthett '07 are expected to continue their successful offensive production. Both will be relied on to propel the Big Green's attack.
Co-captain Erin Osborn '05 will lead the charge on defense. As one of the team's best one-on-one and help defenders, Osborn will lead the team on the field as well as off.
Psyched about the upcomig season, Osborn said, "I think that we all expect a lot from ourselves and from each other this spring. With that said, we're incredibly focused on taking each day as it comes and simply enjoying each opportunity to play together and get better."
Tenacious juniors Lizzy Cuneo and Andrea Smith will also play defense alongside diesel goalie and member of the U.S. developmental team Devon Wills '06., as they look to stifle their opponents.
The addition of a very talented freshmen class will also strengthen the laxers. All in all Dartmouth women's lacrosee will be a force to be reckoned with.