Photo by: Sports Media
The University of Denver women’s lacrosse team is looking to a fresh beginning this season for several reasons.
This is the first year for Head Coach Cathy Nelson Reese. It is also the first year for play in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, and it could be the first year the Pioneers have a shot at being crowned league champions.
“I brought some different techniques and skills into the University of Denver program and the team is working hard to develop them,” said Reese. “We are looking to be a fast paced, hard working team with great stick skills.”
Last season, the Pioneers competed in the Mountain Pacific Lacrosse League with UC Davis, Stanford, St. Mary’s and UC Berkeley. All four of these teams moved with Denver to the MPSF and Oregon will join after the conclusion of this season.
“The move is definitely an advantage,” said Reese. “We are hosting the first ever MPSF tournament May 6-8, and will host five teams. Oregon is adding to our conference next year, which will lead us to an automatic bid to the NCAA’s down the road.”
With a group of seniors who are leading the program in the right direction, the Pioneers may not have to rely on an automatic bid to get into the NCAA tournament.
“We have a great senior class,” said Reece. “They have a vision of where they want to go this season and they will all lead our team there. Their work ethic and dedication to being the best that they can be is very inspirational for the underclassmen.”
Underclassmen will play a more pivotal role than that usually accorded freshmen and sophomores and if a player produces, then age or standing will outweigh her age.
“We have great underclassmen and they will be expected to contribute all over the field,” said Reese. “The younger players are expected to be leaders as well.”
Heading into training and practices, Reese was not as concerned with past as much as the present. Her focus was on what each player was capable of doing at that moment and be guided by a player’s past accomplishments.
“I wasn’t here last year, so I started everyone on a clean slate,” said Reese. “My coaching decisions are based solely on what I have seen this season at practice. I am expecting great things this season.”
Anchored by juniors Beth Cordova and Crystal Jack, the defense will be the position with the most experience. Cordova and Jack both appeared in all 14 games last season and had a combined total of 36 caused turnovers.
“They are both aggressive and smart players,” said Reese. “They are great leaders both on and off the field and have great game sense. People respect them and follow their lead.”
Stability will also run between the pipes as junior Steph Schneider returns as goalkeeper.
Last season Schneider started all 14 games and made 139 saves. A fast paced tempo will be seen in the midfield while game intelligence will be key in the attack. Stick skills are an improvement that has been made in both areas.
“The team has been great,” said Reese. “We have improved so much from the fall that I am excited to see where we go this spring.”
The Pioneers will open the 2004 season this weekend in California where they will match up against St. Mary’s on Saturday and UC Berkeley on Sunday. Their first home match will be at 1 p.m. March 7 against UC Davis at Pioneer Field.
