The Washington College women's lacrosse team has won their second consecutive game due to their finesse on the field. Not only are the women artfully scoring goals and running down the field, but they are also attiring themselves a bit differently. Instead of wearing their normal jerseys and uniforms, the Shorewomen have decided to play in the nude.
Perhaps this year is "National Lacrosse Backwards Year" and someone forgot to inform the press. Whatever the case may be it should also be noted that there is a significant difference in the quality of play of the women's team. Their statistics are sky high as they lead the conference in goals, shots, and for their goalies, saves.
The team's coach has commented, "The women played to such a level last year we decided the best challenge this year would be to change the way they saw the game thereby changing the way they play." Judging by this comment, one would not expect the women to play running, passing and shooting backwards.
By viewing the game differently, one would think the team would focus on new tactics of offense, defense and the like. However, the Shorewomen are truly an individual team that has proved there is margin for difference in the sport of lacrosse. The team has a tremendous sense of where there opponents are on the field as they rarely see them. This makes the team focus on one another and not the players against whom they are competing. Then again, their absolute nakedness may also be confusing their opponents.
The Shorewomen's leading scorer feels it is much easier to score this year as it has been in the past. "I have known coaches who have told their defenders to watch a player's midsection and not their stick to see their change of direction. However, that tactic does not work with our team as we give many teams a challenge in trying to defend our naked backwards offense."
The unorthodox method has managed to work for the Shorewomen. They have not lost yet this season and they plan to continue playing in this manor until they find someone who is capable of beating them. Freshmen who have made their way onto this year's team feel as though they are truly a part of something special. "When I first practiced with coach and the upperclassmen, I was really intimidated by their style of play, then I realized I was on the same boat they were and this was all new for them as well," said a student who wished to remain unidentified. Another anonomous freshman noted, "I am so excited to see how well our training has turned out and I do not think there is any school in the Centennial Conference who will know what hit them."
That's for sure, as the Shorewomen have also increased the number of fans that come out to watch their contests. In past seasons, the Shorewomen would average 55-100 fans per home contest. With their new "style" of play, the Shorewomen find themselves playing in front of audiences that range from 1,000-2,000 fans, on a regular basis. These numbers could increase, as well, since Garnet Elementary School has petitioned to permit all of their young male students, K-6, to attend all of the Shorewomen's remaining home games. Of course, the boys would be permitted to attend under parental supervision, which allows nearly all the male population in Chestertown to also attend.
Be sure to check out this new style of naked backwards lacrosse, tomorrow, as the Shorewomen take on the Garnet Tide of Swarthmore. Face-off is at 2:30 p.m., but if you get there about an hour before game time, you can always catch the girls doing their warm-ups and stretches!
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