Orangewomen Have High Hopes for 2004
2/11/2004 9:20:57 AM | Women's Lacrosse
"I think what we're looking to do is put ourselves in a position where we actually receive a first-round home seed," Miller said.
"When you look at the history of the tournament the home teams generally win."
The 2004 squad returns a host of veteran players as well as some talented freshman that will contribute right away. Miller believes the key factors for success this season will be consistency and the ability of the team to come together.
"We're striving for consistency at home and on the road, a team attack that moves at speed, and a mentality that values every possession."
In addition, the Orangewomen will look to use their speed and athleticism to control the tempo in Miller's aggressive man-to-man style of play.
Midfield
Junior Monica Joines and senior Leigh-Ann Zimmer are SU's two main offensive threats and will be integral the Orangewomen's success in 2004. Joines, who earned IWLCA All-America honors last season, was second on the team with 40 points. Miller loves her ability to perform under pressure and said she has improved her ability to distribute the ball, making her a more dangerous offensive weapon. Zimmer ranks second on the Orangewomen's career goals list and was a first-team All-BIG EAST and an all-region performer last season. Miller believes she has all the tools to dominate the offensive end of the field.
"She can play a power or a finesse game,” Miller said. “Leigh-Ann is a great offensive player and we are looking for her to pick up the pace of her off-ball game, enabling others in the unit to contribute more consistently.”
Seniors Cristine Doran and Danielle Lillis have grown into legitimate attacking threats and will look to keep opposing defenses honest while contributing points. Cristine is the quickest attacker on the team and Lillis will be called upon to play more on the defensive end of the field, Miller said. She and junior Courtney Palladino, are takeaway specialists who should help ignite the transition game.
Junior Jessica Bell and freshman Jill DePetris round out the midfield unit. They bring a blend of skill, off ball knowledge, and tactical savvy to the group, Miller said. DePetris, an All-American at Archbishop Caroll High School in Pennsylvania, should be an exciting and capable replacement for Kim Wayne, who graduated as SU’s all-time assists leader in 2003.
As a group, Miller feels the midfield is deeper this season than in past years, which will help the Orangemen generate more goals in transition.
Attack
Syracuse's attacking unit will benefit from the attention paid to stopping Joines and Zimmer, which should open up opportunities for sophomores Meghan O'Connell and Melody Agnew. They are fit, athletic, don't mind playing a physical style, and can get shots off in tight spaces, Miller said.
Junior Caitlyn Dragon returns to the offense after missing all of 2003 with an injury. She is the most competitive Orangewoman and is the squad’s best feeder. She also recognizes critical mismatches, defensive schemes, and momentum swings, Miller said. Miller believes the offense will improve immensely with her return.
Freshman Shari Appollon has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the preseason. An amazingly quick, left-handed player, Appollon, will be a challenge for opposing defenses to handle.
Sophomore Evelyn Long brings a competitive spirit tremendous lacrosse knowledge to the field. She played her best games of 2003 against some of SU’s toughest opponents, Miller said.
Junior newcomer Gina Riitano and freshman Chelsea Strodel will round out the attacking unit.
Defense
Led by senior captain Jacquelyn Walker, who started 16 games last year, this years' defense has the potential to be one of the Orangewomen's top units. Walker adjusts very well when the defense breaks down and Miller has been impressed with her ability to communicate and dictate defensive assignments.
Palladino and sophomore Stephanie Walker will replace 2003 captain Ellen Rust as the team’s mark up defenders and both display the qualities great defensive players possess.
“Both of them like pressure, groundball well, take the ball away, protect their goalie and attack in transition,” Miller said.
Walker was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team as a freshman and promises to be one of Syracuse's best defenders.
"She's clearly establishing herself as a dominant defender and her off-ball game has improved,” Miller said. “She is talking more back there and taking control."
Sophomore Anita Eldridge returns to the group and continues to improve her game. She is becoming more aggressive and confident, Miller said.
Miller believes freshmen Ashley Pike and Melissa Pearsall are ready to play immediately. Both possess a polished game, great athleticism, speed, good sticks, and great instincts for the ground ball, according to Miller.
Junior Alexis Fermanis is a competitive one-on-one defender, while sophomore Jen Sadler and freshmen Gaddy Fortune and Sharee Richardson bring tremendous athletic ability and great speed to the unit. Miller believes the defense will protect its keeper, take the ball away, and score in transition this season. Sophomore Jennifer Kasel and freshman Bethel Steele will shoulder the task of replacing SU’s all-time saves leader Carla Gigon in goal.
“Jennifer has the quickest hands I've seen as a coach," Miller said. "She worked really hard in the fall season to make sure that her clear was accurate, her fundamentals were sound, and she proved to the team that she will do anything to save the ball."
Steele, an all-league performer from nearby Homer High School, is a student of the game and like Kasel will sacrifice her body to make the save, Miller said. Her clear has improved tremendously and her game is becoming more consistent. She will compete with Kasel for playing time.
The Orangewomen will scrimmage Pennsylvania at the Carrier Dome on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 12:00 before opening their season at No. 2 Virginia on Feb. 28.
