Hartwick Women's Lacrosse: February 2011

Hartwick College Women’s Lacrosse 2011 Season Preview

Fourth-year head coach Rachel Dell's group is young with three seniors, eight underclassmen, and seven newcomers on the roster. The Hawks finished 2-11 last season but are a more talented and deeper squad that is hungry to improve upon last season's mark.

The Hawks will be led this season by tri-captains Bianca Gianfrate, Emily Walsh and Brit LaVaute. #13 – Bianca Gianfrate enters her last season as a senior Hawk as one of the Hawks' top defenders. She led Hartwick in caused turnovers last season and was third in ground balls. Over the course of her three-year career, Gianfrate has started in all of the Hawks' 42 games recording 64 ground balls, 35 caused turnovers, while adding one goal and one assist. #20 – Junior captain, Em Walsh has been one of the Hawks' top scorers in her first two seasons with the program. She led 'Wick in scoring in her first year with the team, tallying 24 goals and five assists, and added 17 goals and five assists this past spring. Walsh has registered multi-goal games 11 times in two seasons. # 14 – Junior Britt LaVaute led the Hawks in several offensive categories this season including goals scored (29), free-position goals (11), assists (9), and points (38). She was the only player on the team to score in every game last year. In two seasons with the program, LaVaute has accumulated 49 goals and 13 assists for 62 points. She has registered 51 draws, 48 ground balls, and 24 caused turnovers. She also was the 2010 MVP for Women’s Lacrosse.

Returning for their last season as a Hawks is #27 – Jen Kaye the starting goalkeeper, will be the backbone of the 'Wick defense with her aggressiveness, experience and leadership. The senior from Altamont, NY has registered 303 saves in over 1500 minutes in cage and has picked up 121 ground balls and 46 caused turnovers. She was also named ECAC and Empire 8 Goalie of the Week in 2009. #18 – Senior Jess Kenna will bring experience to the defensive unit after making 11 starts in the back last season. She is a patient player who grabbed eight ground balls, and two draw controls.

#8 – Junior Hannah Kennedy was Hartwick's representative on the E8 Sportswoman of the Year Team for consistently maintaining a high level of sportsmanship and fair play throughout the 2010 campaign. Kennedy scored 15 goals and dished out six assists this season to bring her two-year total to 29 goals and 10 assists.

Five sophomores return to the roster for Hartwick including, # 6 – Kate O’Shea. Kate is a versatile player who will chip in on both sides of the ball. She started three games before suffering a season ending injury in the Oswego game. This season, she should see time at every position throughout the year and will be looked upon to provide offense as she possesses a strong shot. #10 – Ryan McGovern enters her second season with the Hawks and will make will a force in the midfield. She is a smart player and natural attacker. McGovern collected five goals last season. #12 – Erin “Doug” Doyle started all 13 games as a freshman last season scoring five goals and tallying four assists. Doyle is a good shooter and feeder who has the ability to get by defenders. She can drive with both hands, is a good dodger, and should excel on the offensive end. #17 –Lindsay Zweigenhaft will look to anchor the defense for the 2011 season. Lindsay has great stick skill for a defensive player and can effectively shut down opposing teams' transition game. #23 –Erica Scicchitano finished second in points last season as a freshman with 25 goals and three assists. She also finished second in draw controls (31) and had a total of 23 groundballs for the 2010 season.

The Hartwick Hawks gather seven new freshmen who will all make an immediate impact with this program. # 4 – Kiersten “Stone” Racela will join the back field for the Hawks. She is a quick, agile and provide depth for the defense. #7 –Brittany McCabe will be a new addition to the Hawks offense. She is an aggressive, offensive-minded player who demands the ball and has a knack for finding the back of the cage. #9 - Meg Luce and spent her high school playing low attack but because of her game sense and stick skill we’re moving her to the midfield to help out in our transitional game. #16 – Aly Davis brings a calming sense to the offense. She is a very talented player who knows when to feed and when to shoot. #19 – Morgan Galipeau will make an immediate impact in the defensive unit for the Hawks. She is a very smart defender that brings good speed and instincts. #21 – Ali Sisco enters her first season for the Hartwick Lacrosse squad and will be a force in the midfield. She is a natural athlete that will help the Hawks run the midfield and be a major factor in transition. #60 – Grace Suttell will serve as the back up goalkeeper for the 2011 season.

Hartwick's women's lacrosse team opens up its 2011 campaign on Tuesday when the Hawks travel to Mount St. Mary’s College.