The University of Mary Washington men's crew team looks to improve on its outstanding 2007 season, when it triumphed in the Petite Final. The Eagles spring season starts March 30. FILE/MIKE MORONES/THE FREE LANCE-STAR
UMW spring sports capsules
Date published: 3/1/2008
WOMEN'S LACROSSE
Coach: Dana Hall
Last year's record: 16-7
Top returners: A Caitlin Erickson (Sr.), A Emily Talbot (Sr.), M Sarah Finney (Sr.), M Amie Bruce (Sr.), M Ashley Scutari (So.), M Julia Milner (Jr.), D Elizabeth Conway (Sr.), G Meredith Deitrick (Sr.)
Top newcomers: M Erin Murray (Fr.), M Katie Wallis (Fr.), A Shannon Pashcow (Fr.)
Outlook: 2007 proved a banner season as the Eagles advanced to the elite eight of the NCAA tournament before being eliminated by eventual national champion Franklin & Marshall. Despite heavy graduation losses, UMW should again be a factor in the CAC title chase. The Eagles won their opener 15-8 over Villa Julie, then lost to No. 5 Gettysburg, 15-10.
Remaining schedule: March 4--vs. Elizabethtown (Fla.); 6--vs. Roanoke (Fla.); 11--Wesley; 15--at Washington and Lee; 20--at Hood; 22--at York; 26--Marymount; 29--at College of New Jersey. April 2--at Catholic; 5--Greensboro; 6--Guilford; 9--Christopher Newport; 12--at St. Mary's; 17--Salisbury; 20, 22, 25--CAC tournament.
MEN'S LACROSSE
Coach: Kurt Glaeser
Last year's record: 6-9
Top returners: M Brent Fisk (Jr.), A Charlie White (Jr.), Derek LeComte (So.), MF Matt Weiss (Sr.), A Sean Brown (Jr.), M Scott Fletcher (Sr.), D Travis Floyd (So.), D Peter Lyttle (Jr.), G Eric Everitt (Sr.)
Top newcomers: M Evan Weiss (Fr.), G Ryan Kleeman (Fr.)
Outlook: Buoyed by a stingy defense and several promising newcomers, the Eagles look to better last season's record. The Eagles hung tough in their 5-2 season-opening loss to Hampden-Sydney then beat Hood 18-7.
Remaining schedule: March 1--Neumann; 8--Wesley; 12--at McDaniel; 15--Vila Julie; 18--Goucher; 26--at St. Mary's; 29--Christopher Newport. April 2--Salisbury State; 5--at York; 12--at Marymount; 15, 18, 20--CAC tournament.
SOFTBALL
Coach: Dee Conway
Last year's record: 24-18
Top returners: IF Cathy Hull (Jr.), P Kristen Rowell (Jr.), OF Kerri Spaulding (Sr.), 3B Ashley Sifer (Sr.), IF Kaitlyn Petrella (So.), C Sarh Axelson (Sr.), OF Jamie Clevenger (Sr.)
Top newcomers: OF Carolyn Hannock (Fr.), P/OF Michelle Wedenmeier (Fr.)
Outlook: With an expanded league, the CAC is now assured an NCAA tournament berth for its champions. Off to a 4-2 start, the Eagles could figure in that equation.
Remaining schedule: March 12--at Mary Baldwin; 13--Shenandoah; 15--Wesley; 17--Eastern Mennonite; 19--Catholic; 21--at Villa Julie; 26--at Gallaudet; 29--at York. April 2--Hood; 6--Salisbury; 15-20--CAC tournament.
