2007 Bloomsburg Lacrosse Preview
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The 2007 Bloomsburg lacrosse team can be defined with one word, "change." A year after finishing 6-11 overall and 6-6 in the PSAC, the Huskies are back with a new head coach, a new crop of talented freshmen and even a new turf field in Bloomsburg's Sports Stadium.
First year head coach Leah Quigley is no stranger to PSAC lacrosse. A four-year member of East Stroudsburg's team, Quigley scored 129 goals and assisted on 60 in her career. The former PSAC Rookie of the Year feels that her experience within the conference will help her team adjust to the coaching change. "I've played in the PSAC, so I am familiar with the coaches and schools in the conference. I have also played against some of these girls so I know their potentials and capabilities."
Although the season promises many changes for the Bloomsburg squad, a core of experienced players return for the 2007 season. Four seniors will lead the Huskies in their quest for a conference championship. On defense, All-American and All-PSAC player Brittany Wilkins (Barto/Boyertown) returns for her senior year. Wilkins, the Huskies top defender from last season, is joined by senior Alex Totino (Port Jefferson Station, NY/Sachem), a vocal leader on the field. Wilkins and Totino combined for 61 ground balls and 37 caused turnovers in 2006. Rounding out the senior class are Megan Taylor (West Chester/West Chester) and Allison McFatridge (Hatboro/Upper Moreland). Taylor returns to the attack as one of the team's leading scorers in 2006 with 28 goals and seven assists. McFatridge is a strong player that Quigley will look for in the midfield.
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In addition to four seniors, a strong junior class will be back for the Huskies. Leading scorer Cali Toms (Pottstown/Pottsgrove) returns for her third year as a starter. A two-time All-PSAC selection, Toms has great stick skills and will control the midfield for Bloomsburg. Also returning for the Huskies is Angie Picciotti (Chalfont/Central Bucks West), who is expected to step-up on defense this season. She led the 2006 team with 36 ground balls and is a relentless and very competitive player.
In goal, junior Bridget Maenner (Philadelphia/Catholic) and sophomore Justine Coleman (Media/Penncrest) both return, and will split time. The pair had a 13.52 goals against average in 2006 and combined for 159 saves.
Although the Huskies will suffer due to the absence of Sam Alexander (Willow Grove/Upper Moreland) who will sit out the year with an injury, an experienced sophomore class will be back on the field for Bloomsburg. On attack, Kelsey Quigley (Lansdale/Methacton) returns after scoring 15 goals and assisting on six a year ago. Quigley will be another go-to player that can create scoring opportunities. Midfielder and defender Cara McGroarty (Pottstown/Pottsgrove) will also return for the Huskies after staring all 17 games in her freshman season. Also on defense, Lindsey Guisto (Lake Konkonkoma, NY/Sachem East) is expected to step-up with Andrea Schweitzer (Pine Island, NY/Vernon Township) looking for increased playing time. Mary Chirichella (Petersburg, NJ/Ocean City)will also join the fight for space on the attack.
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Along with a solid group of returning players, there are also five freshmen joining the Huskies this season. Kimberly Springman (Downingtown/Bishop Shanahan), a versatile player with good speed and an aggressive style, will see significant time in the midfield. Erica Nevin (Haddon Heights, NJ/Camden Catholic) is also expected to contribute right away, playing midfield and defense while Beth Stewart (Glenmoore/Downingtown) will look for playing time after sitting out the fall recovering from surgery. In addition, Rachel Heil (Reinholds/Cocalico) and Meg Moran (Media/Penncrest) will battle for time on the attack.
Playing on a new $1.5 million dollar multi-purpose, lighted stadium will also change the game plan for the Huskies. The turf will change the style of play to quicker pace with different shot opportunities. Quigley is excited for the change and thinks the new style will be beneficial "It will be more of a consistent game. When you're going for ground ball pick-ups, you're not worried about bumps or divots created. It's all the same."
Another change in the style of play comes from Quigley. This season, she plans to work on the team's transition game, moving the Huskies to a style often seen in men's lacrosse.
Bloomsburg opens the season with a strong non-conference schedule highlighted by Gannon and Mercyhurst and then will jump right into the tough PSAC action. "The PSAC is an extremely strong conference with great competition. Our two big games will be West Chester and Lock Haven," said Quigley.
Overall, the future is bright for the Huskies. Quigley sees this season as a transition year, but still expects the team to compete for a spot in the conference tournament. "You have to build a program and you can't change something over night. I've told these girls that if they work with me and listen to what I'm telling them, we can go places. I'm very excited and I think the players are excited too. From what I saw in the fall, all their hard work is paying off."
