Megan Shea

Gretchen Lasda

Amanda Wynn

Brigid Lynch

Rebecca Splain

February 27, 2003

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College lacrosse team returns to action in 2003 poised to earn a spot in its 16th NCAA Tournament. The Herons finished the 2002 season with a 14-2 record, advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals before falling to eventual national champion Middlebury College 16-10. Returning a wealth of experience from last year’s squad, including the top four scorers, 30-year Head Coach Pat Genovese anticipates great things from the Herons this spring.

Heading the attack will be senior co-captain Megan Shea (Mountain Lakes/Doylestown, Pa.) and junior Gretchen Lasda (West Genessee/Camillus, N.Y.). The 2002 UCAA Player of the Year, Shea possesses a powerful shot and an uncanny awareness of where and when to strike. Scoring 53 goals and 24 assists last season, the two-time All-American’s 214 career points total is fourth on the all-time list, while her 73 helpers put her in a tie for third on that career list.

If opponents decide to focus on Shea, they will find that the Herons’ attack is far from one-dimensional. A second-team All-UCAA selection, Lasda is a proven goal-scorer for the Herons after tallying 36 goals and 25 assists in 2002 and will be a key component of the William Smith offense this season.

Playing a more prominent role as an attacker this season will be junior Nikki Traino (West Genesse/Syracuse, N.Y.). After showing improvement throughout the 2002 season Traino will add another dimension to the Heron attack, while juniors Lindsay Teague (Geneva/Geneva, N.Y.) and Megan Sontum (Middlebury Union/Middlebury, Vt.) will add depth to the attacking line.

In a versatile and deep midfield line the Herons return four starters, including second-team All-American and co-captain Amanda Wynn (Loomis Chaffee/Aspen, Colo.). Leading the team with 37 draw controls last year, Wynn is a solid all-around player who can score, distribute, and play good end-to-end lacrosse.

Another attacking midfielder and top scorer from 2002, senior Jackie Toner (Geneva/Geneva, N.Y.) could see her role change this season. Her versatility and experience will allow Genovese to play Toner both as a defensive midfielder and a transition player.

Senior Shana Hawrylchak (Guilderland Central/Altamont, N.Y.) also returns for William Smith after starting all 16 games and leading the team with 54 ground balls. Recording 15 goals and four assists a year ago, her speed and quickness will give opponents fits on the wings. Sophomores Alexander Herter (Brooks School/Topsfield, Mass.) and Tracy Genovese (Geneva/Geneva, N.Y.) will also see time in either the midfield or center position. Sophomore Kate Bickford (Lincoln School/Providence, R.I.) will provide added depth to the attacking midfield, while first-years Emily Tate (Freeport/Freeport, Maine) and Louise Greenwood (Springside School/Wyndmoor, Pa.) are constantly improving and will contend for time at the midfield position.

A talented all-around player, junior Brighde Dougherty (Manasquan/Sea Girt, N.J.) is a catalyst for the Heron attack. A center draw specialist, she will see considerable action in both the midfield and attacking positions.

The defensive end of the field holds various possible combinations. The return of senior starters Emily Durki (Hugh C. Williams/Canton, N.Y.) and Brigid Lynch (Manhasset/Manhasset, N.Y.) gives William Smith a solid foundation. A third-team All-American and stifling defender, Lynch led the Herons with 42 caused turnovers, more than any two of her teammates combined. Also an impressive transition player she tallied 12 goals and seven assists last season. Rookie Carla Manganaro (The Rivers School/Natick, Mass.) will add speed and tenacity to the defensive midfield.

At the low defense positions senior Megan Sinz (North Penn/Hatfield, Pa.) who can also run in the midfield, junior Megan Fitzgerald (Dana Hall School/Sudbury, Mass.), sophomores Elizabeth Harris (East Rochester/East Rochester, N.Y.) and Julie Stevenson (South Burlington/South Burlington, Vt.), and first-year Jennifer Davidson (South Burlington/South Burlington, Vt.) are all contesting for time.

In goal the Herons feature two capable goalies in junior Rebecca Splain (Middlebury Union/Middlebury, Vt.) and sophomore Michelle Zimmer (Skaneateles/Auburn, N.Y.). Splain posted a 6.89 goals against average and a .558 save percentage last season, earning second-team All-Region recognition, but will be challenged by Zimmer for the starting spot.

Ranked fourth in the preseason IWLCA poll, the Herons face a demanding schedule that includes second-ranked Amherst, ninth-ranked Union, 10th-ranked Cortland, 11th-ranked Ithaca, and Division II Lock Haven. William Smith opens its season in Panama City, Fla. on March 11, against Lock Haven at 11 a.m.

Back to William Smith Lacrosse