Schedule |
Roster
WATERBURY, Conn. – With nine players returning to the program for the upcoming campaign, the Post University women's lacrosse team begins its fourth season of varsity competition under head coach
Jill Kowalik. The program will host a record seven games at LaMoy Field this year.
“One of the most exciting things about this year is that we will be able to play our home games on campus at LaMoy Field,” Kowalik said. “I like the fact that we have nine players back from last season, which will help with team chemistry and working as a cohesive unit.”
Attack
The most experienced group on the squad, four individuals return to the attack unit for the 2012 season. They are joined by a trio of newcomers. The top returning scorer in the core is sophomore
Meghan Diggett (East Islip, N.Y.), who tallied 14 goals and an assist a season ago. Diggett added 15 ground balls, 14 draw controls and 14 caused turnovers. She started all 13 games she played in.
Other returners who saw significant time on attack during the 2011 season include senior
Iliana Recarey (Bronx, N.Y.) and juniors
Patricia Urena (Methuen, Mass.) and
Jessica Cruz (Brockton, Mass.). Recarey played in all 15 games and made 13 starts en route to a goal and an assist on the year. She scooped up four ground balls. Urena played in 12 games, while Cruz came off the bench in 11 contests and picked up five ground balls and five caused turnovers.
Kowalik and the Eagles will add three individuals to the attack unit for the upcoming season. They include junior
Xiomara Tejada (Lawrence, Mass.), and true freshmen
Amber Reed (Bristol, CT) and
Chelsea Hanock (Woodbury, Conn.).
Kowalik on the Attack:
“The best is yet to come with this group of players, especially Meghan [Diggett]. I think the core group of players will complement her well, and with this group will only improve with the added experiences of not only our returners, but our newcomers as well.”
Midfield
The Eagles' top returning scorer from a season ago, senior
Mallorie Michalak (Meriden, Conn.) is back in the midfield for the 2012 campaign. A season ago, Michalak tallied 25 goals, two assists and five free-position goals. She led the team in ground balls with 34, claimed 32 draw controls and notched 16 caused turnovers. Sophomore
Jessica Kaszas (Bloomsbury, N.J.), who started all 15 games a season ago, returns to the midfield as well. Kaszas scooped 12 ground balls and tallied 10 caused turnovers. She scored a goal and an assist.
Post added three to the midfield for this season. They are freshmen
Alanna Bauche (Calgary, Alberta) and
Miranda Polaski (Agawam, Mass.) and junior
Morgan Kanavy (Syracuse, N.Y.), who transferred from Onondaga Community College.
Kowalik on the Midfield:
“We will see vast improvement in our transition game and a stronger defensive presence as a result of this group. These young ladies are excellent athletes and collectively, they bring a wealth of experience to our youthful lineup.”
Defense
Juniors
Diana Castellanos (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and
Sara Cramer (Lake Hiawatha, N.J.) return for the back line this season. The duo each played in 13 games. Castellanos made 13 starts and amassed eight ground balls, three draw controls and added six caused turnovers. Cramer, who made 12 starts, scooped nine ground balls and notched six caused turnovers. In addition to this pair, Kaszas is expected to see time with the defensive unit as well.
Rookie
Sheena Maldonado (Hackensack, N.J.) is the lone newcomer on defense.
Kowalik on the Defense:
“I am looking forward to seeing what the returning defenders can do this season with the addition of some new talent. The team is really connecting this year which will definitely improve our communication and team work on defense.”
Goalkeeper
Two Eagles will stand between the pipes during the 2012 season, senior
Michelle Chadwick (Miami, Fla.) and freshman
Eryka Baez (Clifton, N.J.). Chadwick played defense for Post last season and saw the field in 11 games. She made nine starts.
Kowalik on the Goalies:
“This is the first time we've had multiple goalies on our roster, and that will certainly help with training during the season. The additional depth in the crease will help our defensive grow and become stronger.”
Schedule
With a program-best seven home dates during the 2012 season, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the Eagles at LaMoy Field. In the regular season opener, Post will host Bridgeport in an intra-state rivalry game. Last season the Eagles defeated the Purple Knights 13-10 in Bridgeport.
The Eagles will host Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) foes Wilmington (March 17), Dominican (March 20), Chestnut Hill (March 24), defending champions Georgian Court (March 28), Philadelphia (April 1) and Holy Family (April 21).
