The Castleton State College women’s lacrosse team is entering this season coming off their first ever bid to the New England Women’s Lacrosse Alliance tournament, but they are not prepared to settle with last year’s successes.The Spartans have begun practicing in Glenbrook Gymnasium, often early mornings at 6am.The team has been able to travel to RPI in Troy, NY and up to UVM to play on turf fields in order to prepare for the journey of a brutal college season.

The Spartans return 10 players from last year’s post season squad. Eleven rookie faces will also suit up for CSC this year.

“We are happy with the number of players and their talents and we are really working at developing everyone into a strong unit,” said first year head coach Tammy Landon.

Although the Spartans roster is packed with freshman, Landon hopes to be in the top three spots in the NEWLA. This would be a step up from last year’s fourth place finish.

Landon feels that the weather is a huge disadvantage because they are not able to get out on the grass as their opening games begin to breathe down their neck.

“With many new players, our challenge is to get everyone playing together, but the team is working very hard and has stayed very committed in practice,” said Landon.

Leading the way once again for the Spartans this season will be, Katelyn Greene. Green had a stellar season in 2006 leading the Spartans with 33 goals as a freshman and being named to an all conference second team.

Castleton’s season was postponed on March 17 and 18 due to the weather. Castleton will have to wait until March 24 when they square off against Emerson. The Spartans won’t see any home play until April 5 when they host Elms College.

The Spartans have already competed in two scrimmages this year and Landon says they have seen great improvement in both.

“It was really great for us to get on a field and compete,” said Landon.

The Spartans youth, combined with experience could play into the hands of opponents, or could make it hard for teams to pick up victories against a very hungry team that has something to prove.

“We are confident that this year the team will have more depth in players and will have amble substitutions so the players on the field will remain strong” said Landon.