I sat down with Dana Brisbane '12 to talk about Dartmouth women's lacrosse, the team's upcoming season and lax culture at Dartmouth.
Would you guys say last season was a slight disappointment? How does that affect your goals this year?
DB: Last year's record was a bit of a disappointment, but we're looking at it as a building block for this year. We've been working really hard in the off-season, and we hope that it'll all pay off this spring.
What are the strengths of this year's squad?
DB: We're an athletic, speedy team. We pressure on defense, and we're looking for the fast break more this year. Another strength would be our numbers. We haven't had this many players the last few seasons. Practices are really competitive we're pushing each other more, and as a result, the whole level of play has been raised.
What would you say is Dartmouth's playing style as a team?
DB: We've been historically known as a team with a lot of hustle and grit. We'll definitely be playing an aggressive style of lacrosse this season.
Who are some players to watch, and who should we be expecting big things from?
DB: I think that this year the junior class will really make this team their own. They now have two years of legitimate game experience. In particular, I think big numbers will come from Shannie Mackenzie ['11], Greta Meyer ['11] and Kat Collins ['11]. It goes without saying that our senior captains Julie Wadland ['10], Colleen Olsen ['10] and Eliza Bennett ['10] will be huge impacts out on the field.
Even though lacrosse is a spring sport, you guys get started with practice when there's still snow on the ground. Does playing in Hanover make it difficult to get ready for the season?
DB: I think playing in New Hampshire actually prepares us well. We consider ourselves pretty tough. If we can make it through a three-hour practice in February under the lights, we can pretty much do anything. It's also hilarious when teams come to Hanover to play us they're thrown for a loop.
Does the creation of an Ivy League tournament change the way you'll approach any individual games this season? How will qualifying for the tourney work?
DB: The winner of the Ivy tournament gets the bid for the NCAA's, but the winner of the regular season gets the ring. Every Ivy game is going to be a big deal; the tournament doesn't change that.
I see that your last game is against University of Maryland at College Park. They were ranked second in the country last year. How do you guys match up against top schools like Maryland?
DB: Last year we took two teams, both ranked No. 2 at the time, to overtime Maryland and [the University of Pennsylvania]. When we're playing our game, I'm confident that we can take on any team in the division.
How close is Dartmouth or any Ivy League lacrosse team to potentially contending for a national championship?
DB: The 2006 Dartmouth team lost to Northwestern [University] in the finals of the NCAA's. I was actually at that game as a sophomore in high school. Two years ago Penn lost to them in the finals, too. Princeton has also had a recent history of tournament appearances. In other words, anything's possible.
Men's lacrosse is famous for the "lax bro" stereotype. Is there a female equivalent for girls lax?
DB: There's definitely a stereotype for girl laxers, especially from the Baltimore pronounced "Ball-mo" area. It may not be as obvious as lax bros, but anyone who's been to some of the big recruiting tournaments knows what I'm talking about.
Everyone knows that playing well in lax is directly correlated to how good you look on the field. Which Dartmouth laxer has the freshest style?
DB: Yeah what's the percentage? 10 percent lax, 90 percent flow? The guys may have flow, but we have fun buns. You'll have to talk to [Sarah] Parks ['12] about the specifics, but our team has an affinity for Under Armour mid-calves.
Is it even possible to have fresh style when you guys are required to wear those awkward eye guards?
DB: The goggles are pretty brutal, but I'd never go without them. Too many facial injuries and stick checks to the head.
Talk a little about the infamous LGs Lax Gatherings. How can I go about getting invited to one?
DB: Ah yes, LGs. Well, all we do is talk about the latest Inside Lacrosse polls and discuss the proper eye black usage. You can come if you want we're not too strict on guests. Dartmouth ID's are needed at the door though.
