Wednesday, February 20
Davidson, N.C.
6:00 p.m.
Davidson College
vs
Virginia Tech
Wildcats Open W. Lacrosse Season Wednesday vs. ACC-Foe Virginia Tech
2/18/2013 3:46:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Gavin McFarlin - Assistant SID
2013 Schedule
2013 Roster
2013 Record Digital Guide
Live Stats
Live Video
DAVIDSON, N.C. — The Davidson women's lacrosse team looks to begin a new era in the Big South Conference when they open the 2013 campaign Wednesday at 6 p.m. against Virginia Tech in Richardson Stadium.
The Wildcats are making the move from the National Lacrosse Conference this year to the newly formed Big South Lacrosse Conference.
Wednesday night's game will be the first of 10 home games for Davidson this year. The 'Cats and Hokies have met 16 times, with the latest meeting coming in 2011. The Wildcats trail the series 12-4, with their last win coming in 2003 which was a 10-7 triumph at home. They will be seeking to snap a six-game skid on Wednesday evening.
In anticipation of the 2013 season, below is a look at the Season Preview....
Heading into their fifth season under head coach Kim Wayne, the 2013 Davidson lacrosse squad gears up for a new beginning as they join the Big South Conference. The Wildcats had a solid three years in National Lacrosse Conference, going 13-7, reaching the semifinals twice and finishing runner-up their first season in the league in 2010.
The Wildcats graduated a pair seniors, but bring back a strong core from last year's squad including six of their top-eight scorers led by all-league performer Ann Fucigna.
At the helm with Wayne will be the Wildcats' three captains: seniors Abigail Doelger and Jessica Melby and junior Paige Logan. The 'Cats will rely upon their leadership and experience to assimilate another strong freshman class of six first-year players.
What are some key factors for the team's success this season?
Coach Wayne: “We are a different team this year than we were last year. We are faster, stronger and more skilled. Our biggest focus during preseason will be making the connections between the girls who went abroad and our six new freshmen. We have a well-balanced attack, which I love. The more threats we have, the harder we will be to defend. ”
Talk about joining the Big South?
Coach Wayne: “I could not be more excited about the opportunity to be in the Big South. Not only are we closer in distance to our competition, but we are welcoming three brand new programs to the league who already this fall have proved they are capable of making our conference competitive and strong.”
2012 Quick Review
Last season, Davidson went 8-10 (4-3 NLC). The 'Cats picked up a 19-9 win vs. Longwood to open the NCL
Tournament, but fell to eventual champion High Point, 13-11, in a very close semifinal game.
It was a record-setting sophomore campaign for All-NLC First Team member Fucigna. The attacker set the single-season record for goals with a team-best 51 and set the new points mark for a single-season at 74. She added 23 assists, setting a personal-best and tying for third-most in a Wildcat single-season.
Joining Fucigna with all-league honors were second-teamers goalie Melby, defender Diane Girling and attacker Erin Doherty. On the NLC All-Academic team were Doelger, Logan and Erin Kietel.
Record-setter and all-league performer Fucigna returns for her junior season, how can she expand on her stout sophomore year?
Coach Wayne: “I recognize that the focus will be on Ann because of her stats the past two seasons, but a lot of players stepped up this fall when Ann was abroad, and they proved that if Ann is pressured or targeted they have the ability to take charge on their own. The great thing about having someone as talented as Ann is that she is capable of making the big things happen even when she's pressured. She can challenge, she can feed and she can pick up the double and dish the ball to her teammates. Her stick skills and her vision will make her a threat no matter what the competition throws at us.”
Senior Class
The senior class consists of six players this year. Leading the way are captains Melby (285 career saves) and Doelger (career highs of 32 groundballs and 20 caused turnovers last year). Joining the duo are midfielders Alanna Parker (three straight 30-plus goal seasons) and Lindsay Cooper (45 career draw controls), and defenders Erin McGuire (career highs of 36 groundballs and 40 draw controls in 2010) and Morgan Tarrant (16 games played).
How have you seen the senior class develop from their freshmen season to now?
Coach Wayne: “The senior class was my first recruiting class at Davidson, and while I recruited most, if not all from film, it's amazing to see how much they have developed in four years. The biggest surprises came from two of our captains – Melby and Doelger. The greatest thing about Melby is her work ethic. She has been involved in and requested more individual skill sessions than anyone else in my four years. All of the hours she put into getting better helped her earn the accolades she received last year. Next to Lily Graham '11, Abbie is one of the best defenders I have ever coached. She understands the game and is willing to make mistakes in order to make herself better. Erin (McGuire) has been plagued with injuries the past two years, so I'm hoping she makes it back for her senior season. She is a fighter and brings energy and heart to our defensive unit.
Cooper and Parker are both midfielders who started this season with the “I have nothing to lose attitude.” They are both consistent players who I know will bring something special in every single one of our games.
Morgan (Tarrant) brings SO much heart to the team. When it comes to clears and transition, Morgan is one of our best ball handlers. She can catch any ball that is thrown her way – which is rare for a true low defender.”
Offense- Midfielders & Attackers
The Wildcats return nearly all of their offense after scoring a school record 222 goals last year (12.3 goals a game). Six of their top eight double-digit goal scorers return. Leading the charge is the tandem of Fucigna and Alanna Parker who combined for 81 goals and 108 points.
Fucigna was again one of the best scoring threats anywhere on the field, setting a pair of Wildcat single-season records. She has a very strong chance of breaking the all-time scoring and points records this year, needing just 35 more goals and 52 points to set the mark.
Parker, a two-time All-NLC First and Second Team member, was second on the team with 30 goals.
In addition, attackers Doherty and Emily Cooke return on offense after strong campaigns a year ago. Doherty was key in helping the offense run, dishing out 14 assists to go with her career-high 29 goals. Her 69 draw controls set a single-season record, topping her 50 as a freshman.
Cooke broke on as a first-year player, netting 29 goals and dishing out eight assists, while starting 17 of 18 games played.
The sophomore pair of Mary Leonard and Emily Rademacher chipped in 15 and 12 goals, respectively, as freshman, giving the 'Cats a solid young nucleus. Fellow classmate Catherine Schmidt also provided some scoring punch off the bench with six goals and five assists in 16 games.
Rounding out the offensive returners are midfielders Liz Edwards (2 gls, 2 ast) and Cooper, along with attacker Carlee Simon.
Defense
The Wildcat defense returns somewhat intact, led by Melby and Logan. Logan switched to defense a season ago and did not miss a beat. She started all 18 games, picking up 22 groundbals, 16 draw controls and forcing eight turnovers. The junior also was a threat on offense, firing in five goals and assisting on three others.
Girling had an outstanding freshman season, pacing the team with 36 groundballs and finishing second with 36 draw controls and 19 forced turnovers in 15 starts. She will be missed though this year as she has stepped away from the team due to health reasons.
The senior trio of Erin McGuire, Doelger and Morgan Tarrant, and junior Becca Garman all return. Last year saw McGuire force 11 turnovers. Doelger had a career junior season, while Garman started all 18 games, registering 29 groundballs and forcing 17 turnovers, all personal bests.
The final layer of the defense is two-year starter Melby. The senior All-NLC Second Team member had a nice season last year as the starting goaltender, playing in all 18 games while registering 153 saves and a 12.39 goals against average. Her 153 saves were second-most in the league. Seven times Melby stopped 10 or more shots, including a
personal-best 17 save outing in leading the 'Cats to a 15-10 win against UC Davis.
There are six freshmen this year. Talk about what they bring to the table and how you see them contributing this season?
Coach Wayne: “Lucy Sexton proved this fall that nothing will stop her if she continues to believe in herself. She has the ability to be a dominant threat on our attack when she goes to goal. Emma Sissman is our only midfielder in this class but has already become a vocal leader. It's exciting to see someone so young feel so comfortable speaking on all sides of the field. Jean Atkinson was a pleasant surprise for us. While she might be a bit smaller than most, she is one of the quickest attackers on the team.
Our three defenders, Holly Thomas, Maddy Sivilli and Veronica Fiorino all bring different strengths to our defense. Veronica's on ball defense and ability to see slides is impressive. Maddy has an understanding of the game and uses her stick extremely well. She is able to intercept passes and capitalize on checks better than a lot of defenders. Holly brings a strong presence to our defensive unity. She has a strong work ethic and her ability to run through anything makes her teammates better.”
The Schedule
Davidson opens the season at home against ACC-foe Virginia Tech, Feb. 20 under the lights. The 'Cats also host Kennesaw State, before heading out West for their first trip to Oregon, March 8. They will also play Vermont while there. Davidson also takes a trip to Pennsylvania to battle Villanova, March 16, for the fifth time and first since 1999.
Davidson will welcome Duke to Richardson Stadium in its final non-conference game, Apr. 17. The Blue Devils, who finished ranked sixth in the nation, reached the NCAA quarterfinals last year on its way to a 12-7 campaign. They have make a trip to the NCAA Tournament 15 straight times.
The Wildcats first Big South matchup will be March 23 at home vs. Longwood. They will face first-time programs Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Winthrop as well in its seven-game Big South slate. The Big South Tournament, Apr. 26-28, will be held at the No. 1 seeds site.
2013 Roster
2013 Record Digital Guide
Live Stats
Live Video
DAVIDSON, N.C. — The Davidson women's lacrosse team looks to begin a new era in the Big South Conference when they open the 2013 campaign Wednesday at 6 p.m. against Virginia Tech in Richardson Stadium.
The Wildcats are making the move from the National Lacrosse Conference this year to the newly formed Big South Lacrosse Conference.
Wednesday night's game will be the first of 10 home games for Davidson this year. The 'Cats and Hokies have met 16 times, with the latest meeting coming in 2011. The Wildcats trail the series 12-4, with their last win coming in 2003 which was a 10-7 triumph at home. They will be seeking to snap a six-game skid on Wednesday evening.
In anticipation of the 2013 season, below is a look at the Season Preview....
Heading into their fifth season under head coach Kim Wayne, the 2013 Davidson lacrosse squad gears up for a new beginning as they join the Big South Conference. The Wildcats had a solid three years in National Lacrosse Conference, going 13-7, reaching the semifinals twice and finishing runner-up their first season in the league in 2010.
The Wildcats graduated a pair seniors, but bring back a strong core from last year's squad including six of their top-eight scorers led by all-league performer Ann Fucigna.
At the helm with Wayne will be the Wildcats' three captains: seniors Abigail Doelger and Jessica Melby and junior Paige Logan. The 'Cats will rely upon their leadership and experience to assimilate another strong freshman class of six first-year players.
What are some key factors for the team's success this season?
Coach Wayne: “We are a different team this year than we were last year. We are faster, stronger and more skilled. Our biggest focus during preseason will be making the connections between the girls who went abroad and our six new freshmen. We have a well-balanced attack, which I love. The more threats we have, the harder we will be to defend. ”
Talk about joining the Big South?
Coach Wayne: “I could not be more excited about the opportunity to be in the Big South. Not only are we closer in distance to our competition, but we are welcoming three brand new programs to the league who already this fall have proved they are capable of making our conference competitive and strong.”
2012 Quick Review
Last season, Davidson went 8-10 (4-3 NLC). The 'Cats picked up a 19-9 win vs. Longwood to open the NCL
It was a record-setting sophomore campaign for All-NLC First Team member Fucigna. The attacker set the single-season record for goals with a team-best 51 and set the new points mark for a single-season at 74. She added 23 assists, setting a personal-best and tying for third-most in a Wildcat single-season.
Joining Fucigna with all-league honors were second-teamers goalie Melby, defender Diane Girling and attacker Erin Doherty. On the NLC All-Academic team were Doelger, Logan and Erin Kietel.
Record-setter and all-league performer Fucigna returns for her junior season, how can she expand on her stout sophomore year?
Coach Wayne: “I recognize that the focus will be on Ann because of her stats the past two seasons, but a lot of players stepped up this fall when Ann was abroad, and they proved that if Ann is pressured or targeted they have the ability to take charge on their own. The great thing about having someone as talented as Ann is that she is capable of making the big things happen even when she's pressured. She can challenge, she can feed and she can pick up the double and dish the ball to her teammates. Her stick skills and her vision will make her a threat no matter what the competition throws at us.”
Senior Class
The senior class consists of six players this year. Leading the way are captains Melby (285 career saves) and Doelger (career highs of 32 groundballs and 20 caused turnovers last year). Joining the duo are midfielders Alanna Parker (three straight 30-plus goal seasons) and Lindsay Cooper (45 career draw controls), and defenders Erin McGuire (career highs of 36 groundballs and 40 draw controls in 2010) and Morgan Tarrant (16 games played).
How have you seen the senior class develop from their freshmen season to now?
Coach Wayne: “The senior class was my first recruiting class at Davidson, and while I recruited most, if not all from film, it's amazing to see how much they have developed in four years. The biggest surprises came from two of our captains – Melby and Doelger. The greatest thing about Melby is her work ethic. She has been involved in and requested more individual skill sessions than anyone else in my four years. All of the hours she put into getting better helped her earn the accolades she received last year. Next to Lily Graham '11, Abbie is one of the best defenders I have ever coached. She understands the game and is willing to make mistakes in order to make herself better. Erin (McGuire) has been plagued with injuries the past two years, so I'm hoping she makes it back for her senior season. She is a fighter and brings energy and heart to our defensive unit.
Cooper and Parker are both midfielders who started this season with the “I have nothing to lose attitude.” They are both consistent players who I know will bring something special in every single one of our games.
Morgan (Tarrant) brings SO much heart to the team. When it comes to clears and transition, Morgan is one of our best ball handlers. She can catch any ball that is thrown her way – which is rare for a true low defender.”
Offense- Midfielders & Attackers
The Wildcats return nearly all of their offense after scoring a school record 222 goals last year (12.3 goals a game). Six of their top eight double-digit goal scorers return. Leading the charge is the tandem of Fucigna and Alanna Parker who combined for 81 goals and 108 points.
Fucigna was again one of the best scoring threats anywhere on the field, setting a pair of Wildcat single-season records. She has a very strong chance of breaking the all-time scoring and points records this year, needing just 35 more goals and 52 points to set the mark.
Parker, a two-time All-NLC First and Second Team member, was second on the team with 30 goals.
Cooke broke on as a first-year player, netting 29 goals and dishing out eight assists, while starting 17 of 18 games played.
The sophomore pair of Mary Leonard and Emily Rademacher chipped in 15 and 12 goals, respectively, as freshman, giving the 'Cats a solid young nucleus. Fellow classmate Catherine Schmidt also provided some scoring punch off the bench with six goals and five assists in 16 games.
Rounding out the offensive returners are midfielders Liz Edwards (2 gls, 2 ast) and Cooper, along with attacker Carlee Simon.
Defense
The Wildcat defense returns somewhat intact, led by Melby and Logan. Logan switched to defense a season ago and did not miss a beat. She started all 18 games, picking up 22 groundbals, 16 draw controls and forcing eight turnovers. The junior also was a threat on offense, firing in five goals and assisting on three others.
Girling had an outstanding freshman season, pacing the team with 36 groundballs and finishing second with 36 draw controls and 19 forced turnovers in 15 starts. She will be missed though this year as she has stepped away from the team due to health reasons.
The senior trio of Erin McGuire, Doelger and Morgan Tarrant, and junior Becca Garman all return. Last year saw McGuire force 11 turnovers. Doelger had a career junior season, while Garman started all 18 games, registering 29 groundballs and forcing 17 turnovers, all personal bests.
The final layer of the defense is two-year starter Melby. The senior All-NLC Second Team member had a nice season last year as the starting goaltender, playing in all 18 games while registering 153 saves and a 12.39 goals against average. Her 153 saves were second-most in the league. Seven times Melby stopped 10 or more shots, including a
There are six freshmen this year. Talk about what they bring to the table and how you see them contributing this season?
Coach Wayne: “Lucy Sexton proved this fall that nothing will stop her if she continues to believe in herself. She has the ability to be a dominant threat on our attack when she goes to goal. Emma Sissman is our only midfielder in this class but has already become a vocal leader. It's exciting to see someone so young feel so comfortable speaking on all sides of the field. Jean Atkinson was a pleasant surprise for us. While she might be a bit smaller than most, she is one of the quickest attackers on the team.
Our three defenders, Holly Thomas, Maddy Sivilli and Veronica Fiorino all bring different strengths to our defense. Veronica's on ball defense and ability to see slides is impressive. Maddy has an understanding of the game and uses her stick extremely well. She is able to intercept passes and capitalize on checks better than a lot of defenders. Holly brings a strong presence to our defensive unity. She has a strong work ethic and her ability to run through anything makes her teammates better.”
The Schedule
Davidson opens the season at home against ACC-foe Virginia Tech, Feb. 20 under the lights. The 'Cats also host Kennesaw State, before heading out West for their first trip to Oregon, March 8. They will also play Vermont while there. Davidson also takes a trip to Pennsylvania to battle Villanova, March 16, for the fifth time and first since 1999.
Davidson will welcome Duke to Richardson Stadium in its final non-conference game, Apr. 17. The Blue Devils, who finished ranked sixth in the nation, reached the NCAA quarterfinals last year on its way to a 12-7 campaign. They have make a trip to the NCAA Tournament 15 straight times.
The Wildcats first Big South matchup will be March 23 at home vs. Longwood. They will face first-time programs Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Winthrop as well in its seven-game Big South slate. The Big South Tournament, Apr. 26-28, will be held at the No. 1 seeds site.
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