Senior Gretchen Lasda William Smith's top returning scorer.

March 12, 2004

GENEVA, N.Y.—Coming off its 11th appearance in the NCAA Semifinals in 2003, the William Smith lacrosse team will have some big shoes to fill to earn a return trip in 2004. Graduating six starters, including 54 percent of its point production, the Herons will need to find its scoring punch from some new faces this season.

Ranked as high as fourth in the preseason polls, William Smith’s schedule features three other ranked teams. The Herons will take on No. 13 Franklin & Marshall on March 17, in West Palm Beach, Fla., No. 11 Ithaca College on April 4, in Geneva, and No. 12 Cortland on April 20, also in Geneva.

One of the most successful women’s lacrosse coaches in the nation, Pat Genovese, is confident her team is prepared for the challenge ahead of them.

“Players continue to take on new roles and the responsibilities that go with them,” Genovese said. “We encourage everybody to step up and be a threat.”

The only coach the Herons have known, Genovese needs just five more victories to reach the 300-win plateau.

The graduation of All-American attacker Megan Shea, All-American midfielder Amanda Wynn, and All-Region honoree Jackie Toner left some big holes to fill on offense, but seniors Brighde Dougherty (Manasquan/Sea Girt, N.J.) and Gretchen Lasda (West Genesee/Camillus, N.Y.) look to emerge from their shadows to guide the Heron attack.

A talented all-around player, Dougherty has the ability to score as well as create chances for her teammates in front of the net. A constant presence in both the attack and the midfield, she also will share duties on draw controls.

An IWLCA second-team All-Region selection, Lasda is the top returning scorer from a year ago. Her vision on the field is top notch as she ranks sixth on the all-time assist list with 69 helpers. However, it is goal scoring that the Herons will need more of from her this season with three of the four top scorers from a year ago gone.

Senior Nikki Traino (West Genesee/Syracuse, N.Y.) could jump into the starting rotation on the low attack after getting the nod in six games last season and tallying 18 points, including a five-point outburst against Clarkson. With three years of experience under her belt, senior Lindsay Teague (Geneva/Geneva, N.Y.) will step in to proved depth on the attack. Junior Tracy Genovese (Geneva/Geneva, N.Y.) and first-year Maggie Benham (Canandaigua Academy/Canandaigua, N.Y.) also could see quality minutes on the field as they continue to show improvement as the season approaches.

It is that balance that will make the Herons so hard to defend around the crease. Not having just one single player to key in on, opponents will find that the William Smith attack can come from anywhere on the field.

Hardest hit by graduation, the attacking midfield lineup has many possibilities. Junior Ali Herter (Brooks School/Topsfield, Mass.) will man the center position and draw controls. Able to play anywhere in the midfield, her quickness and speed will give opponents fits. Junior Kate Bickford (Lincoln School/Providence, R.I.) will make a push for the starting wing spot after playing in 14 games last year. Possessing good speed and a solid sense of field, she likes to take the ball to the cage.

Tracy could find herself in the midfield as well, while first-years Jessica Scott (Waynflete School/Portland, Maine) and Sarah Dillon (Blair Academy/Oldwick, N.J.) both are making great strides during preseason practices.

The defensive midfield, although returning overall experience, isn’t returning a lot of players who have experience playing with each other. Senior Michelle Steigerwald (Auburn/Auburn, N.Y.) is expected to be a major contributor, while sophomore Jess Tanner (Guilderland/Schenectady, N.Y.) will be a force as a defensive wing. An aggressive player, Tanner could be dangerous in the attack as well as a stifling defender.

An imposing presence on defense, senior Megan Sontum (Middlebury Union/Middlebury, Vt.) has the flexibility to play as a defensive midfielder or on the low defense. Sophomores Emily Tate (Freeport/Freeport, Maine) and Carla Manganaro (The Rivers School/Camillus, N.Y.) will add some depth to the midfield.

Anchoring the low defense this season will be returning starters senior Meghan Fitzgerald (Dana Hall School/Sudbury, Mass.) and junior Liz Harris (East Rochester/East Rochester, N.Y.). A vocal leader around the crease, Fitzgerald causes her defenders to make mistakes, while Harris is an intelligent defender who clears well. Sophomore Jennifer Davidson (South Burlington/South Burlington, Vt.) could also see minutes on defense.

Senior Becca Splain (Middlebury Union/Middlebury, Vt.) returns to the cage for her third year as the Herons’ netminder. Ranked second on the career goals against average (6.59) list and sixth in all-time saves (426), her clears allow the Herons to get into the attack right away.

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