March 7, 2008

Garden City, N.Y. - The Adelphi University women's lacrosse team will open the 2008 season on the road this weekend with back-to-back contests at Southern New Hampshire and Assumption College. For the first time in the program's history a new coach will guide the Panthers. While a recent addition to the intercollegiate staff, first year Head Coach Joe Spallina is no stranger to Adelphi. He played lacrosse for the Panthers from 1992-96 and helped the team capture two National Championships.

"I am extremely excited to take over one of the most highly regarded women's lacrosse programs in Division II," Coach Spallina stated. "In inheriting such an established program, our expectations as a team are high. We want to win a national championship and anything short of that would be a disappointment."

The Panthers must account for the loss of six starters to graduation that combined for 10 IWLCA All-America honors and 10 All-East Coast Conference (ECC) selections, but Coach Spallina sees this as an advantage when inheriting an existing program.

"We are starting from scratch with a new group," Spallina explained. There are a lot of players who have been waiting in the wings and are more than willing to pick up where they left off and take the team to the next level. We have some really talented freshmen coming in and our defense is much improved."

This new Panther team is a young squad which includes just four seniors but boasts 16 sophomores and five newcomers. It is a clean slate with numerous positions up for grabs.

"Our expectations as a team are high. We want to win a national championship and anything short of that would be a disappointment." Head Coach Joe Spallina

"Our practices are very intense and extremely competitive," Spallina said. "We have 24 players vying for playing time." For Spallina, it was not only a homecoming, but it will reunite him with several of his former players from Rocky Point High School, including both of his assistant coaches. Tara Grodotzke `07, was a member of both of Adelphi's NCAA Championship teams and Lindsay Goldman is three-time All-American and two-time Defender of the Year who guided C.W. Post to a national title in 2007.

"We have two very established and accomplished Division II athletes in Tara and Lindsay. Their experiences playing teams from the ECC and the NE-10 will bring a lot of insight, especially with regards to scouting reports."

Offense
Three-time All-American Diana Lopez will be missed in 2008, but Adelphi has several players who will assume a leadership role.

Returning to lead the Panther offense is junior Rachel Ray a 2007 IWLCA All-American and ECC all-conference selection. She topped the Adelphi score sheet in 2007 with 71 points (38G, 33A) and has already been named to the 2008 Tewaarton Award "Watch List". Coach Spallina knows that she will be the player that most [opponents] will prepare for.

"I have coached Rachel since she was in 9th grade she is playing the best lacrosse of her life," Spallina said. "She is extremely unselfish and has done a nice job of incorporating other girls into the offense. One of the major components of a key player is the ability to make those around them better and she consistently does that."

Sophomore Allison Tumulty had an impressive rookie campaign which included 27 goals and two assists. Spallina sees her as a must-have player on any team. "Ally is another girl who played for me since 8th grade. She is less flashy than Rachel but is solid. She is a great finisher who really understands the game. We have high expectations for her."

Senior captain Megan Metelenis, a transfer from Herkimer CC last year, didn't get much time in 2007, but Spallina describes her as a "best-kept secret". He anticipates that with her speed and skill level that she will make an impact this season. "Megan plays with a lot of flash and dash. She is a great shooter and great finisher. Once we get going she will be one our top goal scorers." Freshman Michelle Ceraso is another skilled and quick player that should also see significant playing time. "Michelle has it all," Spallina explained. "She's got good size and has really good speed. As a lefty, she will be a tough match up for a lot of defenses. As the season goes on, she will be one of the catalysts for our offense."

All-American Rachel Ray

Another newcomer is freshman Marissa Lisi who along with sophomore Danielle Kafarski will compete for playing time. Kafarski started in nine games last season and tallied 14 goals, but was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. "Danielle was out this fall and after surgery is still getting back into shape," Spallina said. "Marissa is working hard and is still learning the collegiate game."

Midfield
The transition from offense to midfield will be seamless for the Panthers and Coach Spallina anticipates quite a few players will serve double duty. "Our attack and our midfield are extremely versatile. Those playing attack will play midfield and vice versa." Junior Laura Bennett and sophomores Brittany Fronczak, Corinne Pingitore, Alyssa LaBosco and Nicole Lieberman all saw solid playing time last season and fit the bill. "They are all solid players and will compete and see a fair amount of playing time," Spallina stated. "What they do is up to them."

There will be the opportunity for players to step into the large shoes left by four-time All-American, Lauren Lopez, who recorded a team-best 49 goals in 2007.

Sophomore Holly Burke started in four of 15 games last season with 11 goals and two assists. Coach Spallina recognizes her abilities and sees her as a big part of the team's success. "Holly is very good on both ends of the field", Spallina said. "Her transition game is coming along."

Sophomore Vanessa Sotcheff saw action in 11 games last season and also reunites with Coach Spallina from her days at Rocky Point. "Vanessa is a very physical player with a high lacrosse IQ. She is a powerful athlete and will be tough to defend off the dodge. She will contribute nicely on the offensive side for us."

Newcomers Kaitlin Carter and Emily Simpson should fit right into the Panthers' format. Carter brings speed and athleticism to the midfield. "Kaitlin is probably the fastest one on the team. She is a raw talent who by the end of the year has the opportunity to be a special player. It is our job to make sure we get that out of her."

Simpson, a junior transfer from Nassau Community College, has been an invaluable addition to the team's morale. "Emily is extremely spunky and plays with a ton of energy. She gives our team energy both on and off the field. The progress she's made since September is tremendous." The Panthers will have to do without junior Jeannine Holz who will sit out this season due to injury.

Defense
While the defense returns the majority of its players from 2007, it has seen the most change. Coach Spallina knows that this is the strength of the team and has focused a great deal of effort into this area. "We are playing a new system that a lot of these athletes haven't seen before," Spallina said. "It's taken them a while to adjust, but now they are playing at a very high level. The team that can play the best defense will be most successful."

Senior Caitlin Hilbert

Most experience at the defensive position with seniors Lauren Belle, a player that is extremely experienced and who will see some considerable playing time.

Senior captains Caitlin Hilbert and Jennifer Fucich will be looked upon to guide the Adelphi defense. In 2007, Hilbert had 22 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers, while Fucich contributed 14 ground balls, six caused turnovers and three draw controls.

"Caitlin is vocal and a good leader and will play at the top part of the defense," Spallina said. "Jen is a pleasant surprise and has improved drastically since the fall. She has really helped our younger defenders and has been a calming influence [for them]."

Junior Nicole Lein is another low post defender who started in 12 of 15 games last season with 14 ground balls. "Nicole has great speed and is a tenacious defender," Spallina stated. "She is the mouth of our defense."

Sophomore Jackie Bogensberger is the quarterback of the Panthers' defense and will make sure that players are in the right spots. "Jackie will play a very important role and is the backbone of what we do."

Sophomores Joanna Zahra and Lindsay Kane, along with freshman Nicole Bass will fill the role of defensive midfielders. "They will be subbing on and off and allow us to rest some of our offense and midfield which in turn will make our defense stronger," Spallina added.

Senior Lauren Belle and sophomore Lauren Cornelius each appeared in six games last season and also on the hunt for additional playing time.

Goal
Arguably the most notable change this season for Adelphi will be in the net, with the loss of four-year starter Allyson Murphy. However, returnees Caitlin Fitzpatrick and Christina Kozakiewicz are more than ready for the challenge.

Fitzpatrick benefited from more playing time last year, appearing in 10 games for 225:34 minutes and will be the probable starter for the Panthers. I helped recruit Cailtin to Adelphi," Spallina explained. "She is very talented and getting better every day. She is great at clearing the ball and stopping the ball and seems to play better when the stakes are higher."

Coach Spallina also sees Kozakiewicz earning considerable playing time as well. "Christina is playing at a very high level and coming along nicely. She cares about the team and the game and has made improvements."

Schedule
As if a new coach, new players and new playbook weren't enough, Adelphi must also contend with the challenges of practicing and playing off sight this season as they await the construction of their new outdoor complex. The Panthers will play all of their home games at Hofstra University and only have five home games on the schedule. Their season home-opener will take place on March 16 as they host Mercyhurst College.

They kick off the season on March 8-9 at Southern New Hampshire and Assumption College, which should be a good gauge for the team. The Panthers will pay special attention to its contests against perennial powerhouses Stonehill, on April 12 and C.W. Post on May 2, but know that every game will be important.

"Every game counts, especially with only four teams making the tourney," Spallina stated. We have to be focused with everyone we play."

Spallina's team has bought into the intense practices, grueling conditioning workouts and is up for the challenge. He recognizes the work ethic that the team has put forth and knows they are ready to make a run for a national title. "These athletes are in the best physical condition [of their lives] and are ready to put it all on the line. They are as prepared as they will ever be."