Jan. 31, 2008
The Nittany Lions enter the 2008 season united under the goal of elevating the program to the pinnacle of NCAA women's lacrosse, both on the conference and national level. Making those aspirations attainable this year is Penn State's wealth of talent and strength of leadership. Eighth-year head coach Suzanne Isidor returns a squad comprised of 22 letterwinners and seven starters that will be captained by senior Jessi Lieb and junior Kerry Shea, a pair of star midfielders who lead through play and with words with equal effectiveness. Add to the core of veterans a nationally top 10-rated recruiting class and the present and future look bright for Penn State women's lacrosse.
"We're excited about the season's prospects," said Isidor. "I think the fall was very successful. We showed that we will have a lot of depth, which is different from last year. We have a great mix of senior leadership and young talent. We are looking for production from our large junior class. They have gotten a lot of experience in practice the last two years and now it is time for them to shine under the game spotlight."
ATTACK
Just one senior attacker, Kim Kontson, returns for the 2008 season, but an abundance of quality depth will create no shortage of competition for the starting spots. Juniors Mariel Bryan, Amanda Longobucco, Marisa Lozano, and Megan McGuire have gained valuable experience and will be counted on for consistent contributions. Sophomores Mary LeNoir and Erica Mihm will look to build on solid rookie campaigns. Freshman Jen Steadman, a prolific scorer at the high school level, could also see significant playing time.
"We are looking for big things from players like
Erica Mihm and
Amanda Longobucco; two tall, strong lefties who have the ability to make an impact," said Isidor.
MIDFIELD
Penn State features one of the top midfielder duos in the nation in senior Jessi Lieb and junior Kerry Shea. Lieb, a four-year starter and two-time First Team All-ALC selection, is back at full strength after suffering a foot injury that cut short her 2007 season. Despite missing the final four games, she finished second on the team a year ago in goals (26), assists (13), points (39), ground balls (32), and draw controls (23). Shea, a Second Team Regional All-American and All-ALC honoree in 2007, topped the team in goals with 27.
"The midfield should be our strength with the return of Jessi Lieb and Kerry Shea," said Isidor. "The difference is that they will have a lot more support this year."
Talented sophomores Maria Valderas and Theresa Bucci will help take some attention away from and will complement Lieb and Shea. Isidor will also have additional options in junior Aly Carter and freshmen Jackie Eastman and Laura Lesnick who can provide production.
DEFENSE
Gone to graduation is All-American Renee Cipro, one of the most highly decorated and regarded defenders in Penn State lacrosse history, but veteran talent and young depth remain on the Nittany Lion roster.
"We have three seniors in Lindsay Hagemann, Linsey Shea, and Christina Buttle who we are looking for to step up and take charge of the defense in 2008," Isidor said.
The trio has combined to play in 101 games during their Penn State careers.
Pushing them for playing time will be junior Chrissie Galindo, sophomore Margo Josephs, and freshmen Maggie Dunbar and Ashley Boccio.
Isidor continued, "There are some question marks regarding who is going to play but it will be a good competition. We have a lot of speed on the defensive end, which will be a huge asset for us."
GOALKEEPER
Senior Jess Boccio and sophomore Stephanie Ellis will pitch a spirited battle for the starting goalkeeper position. Boccio has seen action in 13 career games while Ellis played in one game as a freshman.
"We feel good about both of them," said Isidor. "They are extremely athletic and very active out of the cage. They will be aggressive and get our fast break going with their ability to save it and clear it."
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