The Castleton State College women’s lacrosse team returns a large group of upperclassmen for the 2010 season and will look to be a powerhouse in the North Atlantic Conference, according to head coach Tammy Landon.
“We are returning a large group of returning starters,” she said. “We had a fantastic season last year and are excited to see what this year brings.”
The Spartans are returning their top three goal scorers from last season: senior Stephanie Pearce, junior Marie VanDerKar, and Nikki Adams, who returns as a graduate student.
At the midfield, Castleton returns key offensive players in sophomores Angelica Mazzola and Stephanie Paproski.
The Spartans also held on to their top two defensive players in seniors Kristin Rochler and Kayla Twigge. They will also benefit from having junior Becky Duszak between the pipes.
Castleton also welcomes a large group of new players, adding seven to the roster. Midfield/attacker Katelyn Nardini, a transfer from Colby- Sawyer College, looks to contribute right away for the Spartans. There is also a strong freshmen class, led by defender Julia Lesher and goalie Lily Durbeshire.
While Castleton opened up its season with a loss on Mar. 6 against Western New England College, loosing 16-11, the Lady Spartans are determined to do great things this season.
“We want to be a top contender in the New England Women’s Lacrosse Association,” said Landon. “We want to beat Bridgewater State. We have never beaten them, but in last year’s final, we only lost by 3 goals. It will be tough because they have everyone coming back too.”
Landon also wants to be competitive in their non-conference games, including Skidmore (who Castleton has never beaten), Colby-Sawyer College, and the University of Southern Maine.
“This 2010 team has worked so hard and shown great dedication to their training,” Landon said. “They are really ready to reach new goals this season”.
Fans can see a lot of the Spartans this year because, in a packed schedule, they only have four away games all season since many of the NEWLA teams do not have turf fields, and they are willing to travel up here to Vermont to play on them.
The Spartans open up home play on Saturday, Mar. 13. The game is slated to start at noon.