Head coach Gary Gait begins his fifth season at the helm of the Orange program. He has guided Syracuse to a record of 57-23 and two national semifinal appearances.
Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
Orange Holds Annual Media Day
2/17/2012 2:39:49 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Head Coach Gary Gait Quotes | Student-Athlete Quotes
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women's lacrosse squad hosted its annual media day after practice on Friday, February 17 in Manley Field House. Head coach Gary Gait and the student-athletes previewed the 2012 season, which begins on Feb. 21 against Boston College.
This year's team returns seven starters and 22 letterwinners from the 2011 squad that posted a record of 10-8 and won a share of the BIG EAST regular-season title. The Orange welcomes 10 newcomers this season.
“We're young again but I think we have a lot more experience than last year,” Gait said. “I'm hoping we come out and develop chemistry early and have success from the opening game.”
The list of returners is led by junior Michelle Tumolo, Syracuse's leading scorer last season. Tumolo recorded 63 points last season and set a school record for the most assists by a sophomore with 33. She was a first-team All-BIG EAST and All-Northeast Region honoree. Tumolo is a preseason All-America selection and was voted the BIG EAST Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
Overall, the Orange returns four of its top five scorers. Sophomore Alyssa Murray ranked third on the team in scoring last season with 43 points (23g, 20a), while fellow sophomore Katie Webster tied for second on the team in goals scored with 32 and finished with 39 points. Senior Sarah Holden posted career highs in goals (32) and points (35).
Syracuse also returns several experienced defenders, including seniors Janelle Stegeland and Jill Cammett. Stegeland has been a member of the starting lineup for three years, while Cammett saw increased playing time in 2011 and started 16 of 18 contests. Sophomores Becca Block and Linley Block add speed to backfield. Becca Block earned All-BIG EAST Second Team honors last season after ranking second on the team in draw controls (28) and tying for second in caused turnovers (9).
The Orange must replace four-year starting goalkeeper Liz Hogan, the school's all-time leader in saves. Sophomore Alyssa Costantino and freshman Kelsey Richardson will team up to fill the void left by Hogan, the 2010 IWLCA Goalkeeper of the Year.
“They have both improved immensely,” Gait said. “I'm expecting big things out of these goalies. They don't have big names coming in but I'm hoping by the middle of the year people know who they are and that they'll work together to make sure that each of them is on top of her game.”
Syracuse will once again play a tough schedule. After opening the season against No. 13/10 Boston College, the Orange takes on No. 10/11 Virginia, No. 1/1 Northwestern, No. 4/3 Florida and No. 2/2 Maryland.
“When I took the job here my focus was to win a national championship,” Gait said. “My philosophy is in order to win you have to play the best. Certainly, for the second year in a row, we have the toughest
non-conference schedule in the country and one of the top five schedules combined (with the BIG EAST schedule).”
The Orange opens the season Tuesday, Feb. 21 against the Eagles at 4 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. Admission is free of charge.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women's lacrosse squad hosted its annual media day after practice on Friday, February 17 in Manley Field House. Head coach Gary Gait and the student-athletes previewed the 2012 season, which begins on Feb. 21 against Boston College.
This year's team returns seven starters and 22 letterwinners from the 2011 squad that posted a record of 10-8 and won a share of the BIG EAST regular-season title. The Orange welcomes 10 newcomers this season.
“We're young again but I think we have a lot more experience than last year,” Gait said. “I'm hoping we come out and develop chemistry early and have success from the opening game.”
The list of returners is led by junior Michelle Tumolo, Syracuse's leading scorer last season. Tumolo recorded 63 points last season and set a school record for the most assists by a sophomore with 33. She was a first-team All-BIG EAST and All-Northeast Region honoree. Tumolo is a preseason All-America selection and was voted the BIG EAST Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
Overall, the Orange returns four of its top five scorers. Sophomore Alyssa Murray ranked third on the team in scoring last season with 43 points (23g, 20a), while fellow sophomore Katie Webster tied for second on the team in goals scored with 32 and finished with 39 points. Senior Sarah Holden posted career highs in goals (32) and points (35).
Syracuse also returns several experienced defenders, including seniors Janelle Stegeland and Jill Cammett. Stegeland has been a member of the starting lineup for three years, while Cammett saw increased playing time in 2011 and started 16 of 18 contests. Sophomores Becca Block and Linley Block add speed to backfield. Becca Block earned All-BIG EAST Second Team honors last season after ranking second on the team in draw controls (28) and tying for second in caused turnovers (9).
The Orange must replace four-year starting goalkeeper Liz Hogan, the school's all-time leader in saves. Sophomore Alyssa Costantino and freshman Kelsey Richardson will team up to fill the void left by Hogan, the 2010 IWLCA Goalkeeper of the Year.
“They have both improved immensely,” Gait said. “I'm expecting big things out of these goalies. They don't have big names coming in but I'm hoping by the middle of the year people know who they are and that they'll work together to make sure that each of them is on top of her game.”
Syracuse will once again play a tough schedule. After opening the season against No. 13/10 Boston College, the Orange takes on No. 10/11 Virginia, No. 1/1 Northwestern, No. 4/3 Florida and No. 2/2 Maryland.
“When I took the job here my focus was to win a national championship,” Gait said. “My philosophy is in order to win you have to play the best. Certainly, for the second year in a row, we have the toughest
non-conference schedule in the country and one of the top five schedules combined (with the BIG EAST schedule).”
The Orange opens the season Tuesday, Feb. 21 against the Eagles at 4 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. Admission is free of charge.
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