A year characterized by a talented youth movement and significant program improvement took a step backwards in a 20-6 loss to the #14 ranked Dickinson Red Devils.
Dickinson, a senior-laden team, dominated the game from the moment of the first face-off to the last whistle of regulation. Dickinson unloaded an arsenal of offensive firepower, catapulting 38 shots on goal and landing 20 of them; WC managed only 17 shots on goal.
Dickinson's offense boasted seven players who scored two or more goals in the game. "We let Dickinson control the tempo of the game," sophomore Rachel Skorinko said in regard to the teams struggles in Carlisle.
Indeed, the Red Devils were able to control the flow of the game because they won 22 of 27 draws, allowing the offense to run their set and keep the defense rested. Dickinson improved to 12-3 overall and 6-3 in the Centennial Conference. Washington dropped to 7-10 overall and 2-7 in the conference.
Despite the sour ending to the season, 2006 was a year of significant improvement for the Shorewomen. In 2005, women's lacrosse only notched three victories and none against ranked teams.
The Shorewomen surpassed last year's win total by four, scoring seven victories including one against the highly ranked Stephens Tech Ducks. "A positive outlook helped in our success this year," commented Skorinko on the improved team. The recent improvement bodes well for the future, as the Shorewomen only graduate three seniors.
Leading goal scorers Sally Mancini and Suzie Jakub return as well as the anchors of the defense Lindsay Fox and Meredith Ross. "We are going to be a very competitive team next year and if we continue to improve we have a chance to make the Conference playoffs," Skorinko stated in regards to next year's hopes. If all goes as planned, the youth movement of 2006 will transform into a veteran juggernaut of the Centennial Conference.
The Shorewomen do reluctantly say goodbye to three seniors: Erin Bollinger, Kelly Gallagher, and Beppy Smith. Bollinger, a midfielder, tallied 39 goals and 21 assists to go along with her 59 ground balls in her four year career.
Gallagher, a key player on attack, notched 11 goals and 6 assists during her time as a Shorewomen. Beppy Smith, the captain of the defense, compiled 40 ground balls. "The seniors were a key part of our team this year and we are really going to miss them," Skorinko lamented.
In graduating, the seniors leave behind a team that has established itself as a potential threat to the class of the Centennial Conference in the coming years.
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