Women’s Club Lacrosse travels to Florida to kick off season
With no heat to beat in the Midwest, the CU Women’s Club Lacrosse team will head south this weekend in search of warmer weather and a tournament victory.
For the second year in a row, the team is scheduled to kick off the regular season by competing in the Fun in the Sun Tournament in Orlando, Fla.
The event reaches out to many of the most competitive teams that are a part of the Women’s Division Intercollegiate Associates. Last year, CU finished the tournament with a record of 4-1.
Head coach Gary Secora said the WDIA brings the best teams in the country to the tournament.
“It is a good way to start the spring and to be able to see what we have to do for the rest of the season and how to make adjustments for our own league play,” Secora said.
The Buffs begin the tournament at 9 a.m. on Feb. 17, when they play Michigan, currently the second-ranked team in the WDIA national poll.
But the CU varsity club lacrosse team is no stranger to tough competition, said team captain Meg Kennedy.
“We are very competitive, and we like starting off strong. It builds confidence and sets the tone for the rest of the season,” Kennedy said.
The squad concluded the 2005-06 season with an 11-8 record. While that may not look remarkable on paper, Secora said that the season was quite fulfilling.
“We probably had the toughest schedule out of all the WDIA teams,” he said. “We made it to the final four and lost to the eventual champions. We got fourth in the nation, and we were very happy with that result.”
Last season the program composed a critical exchange, including the removal of the team’s previous head coach “due to fiscal mismanagement,” Kennedy said.
“About two weeks before the team headed to nationals last season, we moved Gary into the head-coaching role. That was one of the best things that could have happened to the team,” said Kris Schoech, director of club sports. “Gary knows a lot about the game, but he is also a player’s coach. He tries to meet the needs of everyone. He wants to make sure that everyone gets to play, he wants to make sure that everyone enjoys the collegiate experience, but he also understands that they are here for school,” he said.
The team also lost two of its starting captains as well as some other senior athletes after last season, but fall ball offered a good opportunity to seal any potential gaps.
“Fall ball helps girls get used to our system and get familiar with each other. We have a pretty young team, but I expect a lot this season,” Kennedy said. “We have some new freshmen and some key, returning sophomores that will need to step up. They may not be used to pressure situations yet, but I have confidence that they will do well.”
Unfortunately, the winter-weather conditions have prevented the team from organizing any scrimmages this semester.
But Kennedy will not let the weather dismantle her hopes of making another statement at the WDIA National Championship Tournament in May.
“I think we’ll go up in the standings,” she said.
And although the senior captain does not posses any doubts regarding her team’s dedication, this weekend’s results will provide a critical testimony to her case.
“It is definitely a huge bonding experience to be working with my teammates. We have to completely organize our lives around the sport, but I like working with people who have the same goals as me and who work hard and put a lot into what they do,” Kennedy said. “We are all here for a reason, and no matter how much time it takes or money it costs, it is obvious that everyone on our team loves the game of lacrosse.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Corey Jones at corey.jones@thecampuspress.com.
