2002 Lacrosse Preview

The goals for the Bloomsburg University lacrosse team are easily defined. Win the PSAC title and advance to the NCAA championships and hope for a chance to play for an NCAA crown. Last year the Huskies had similar aspirations, but some unexpected losses cut the Huskies season short. Coach Kathy Frick is hoping to turn those losses into wins this season and have a chance to accomplish those team goals.

"We need our returning players to step up for us and fill some roles left by graduation," said Frick. "We also need to come together and play as a unit this season. The fact that, sometimes last year, we lost focus and intensity hurt us. If we can keep our focus for the entire game we can accomplish anything."

The Huskies do have some holes to fill as the team lost its leading scorer (Roxann Emerick) to graduation along with some very talented players in the midfield and defense (Margo and Nicole Wiley).

"Losing Roxann will hurt because she ran our midfield as well as adding goals, but we do return the PSAC Rookie of the Year (Georgia Carinci) along with All-American goalie (Yshonda Wisher) and combined with our incoming talent will make us solid." Frick added. "Our returning players all have developed and improved and this will be their time to make things happen."

"When it is all said and done this could be a very special season for us," said Frick.

Offense

The Huskies offense will be led by 2001 PSAC Rookie of the Year Georgia Carinici. The sophomore set a school-record with 27 assists while connecting on 30 goals. "We didn't expect to get the kind of season from Georgia, but it was a pleasant surprise," said Frick. "She doesn't get rattled and isn't affected by the pressure of the game."

Also look for Jackie Angermeir (22-g, 15-a) to have another strong season as well as Megan Pry (12-g, 22-a). The trio gives the Huskies a good base to build an offense around.

Sheila Zilinski joins the team from field hockey as an attack player and should be a solid performer, while Katie MacLean, who missed much of last year with an injury, is again healthy and ready to resume a role in the offense.

Defense

"Our defense will be younger than it has been in the past," said Frick. "We need some newcomers to contribute early for us in order to be successful."

Rachel Keller, Marci Zilinski and Julie Minogue are the top returning defenders for the Huskies. The midfield will be taken care of by Pry, Molly Kline and Katie O'Neill giving the Huskies a veteran feel in the middle. Look for newcomer Steph Straup to contribute on this side of the field for Bloomsburg along with several other talented newcomers like Diana G'Angeli.

Goalkeeping

Yshonda Wisher had played every minute of every game her first two seasons at Bloomsburg. Fortunately, the former All-American never suffered any serious injuries. Last year Wisher finally got a backup in Linda Shultz who gives the Huskies a solid 1-2 punch at the position. Wisher has improved on plays outside the crease and is much more composed when the defense does break down. Look for her to have another outstanding season.

"The PSAC will once again be very competitive," said coach Kathy Frick. "We will again battle teams like West Chester, East Stroudsburg, and Millersville, but we need to be ready to play each game since the league is improving with every season."

The Huskies open play March 11th versus Regis College in Florida.