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Hunter Martin

Women's Lacrosse CSAC Semifinal Preview

4/29/2013 4:04:00 PM

ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University women's lacrosse team enter the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) with a 13-4 overall record and the No. 2 seed in the CSAC Semifinals against No. 3 Marywood University.

The Knights have enjoyed a terrific season in Coach Malone's second season at the helm. Last year, the Knights won 10 games and earned its first bid to the ECAC Tournament. Fast forward it to 2013 and the team has already won 13 games, but they won't be too grateful for another ECAC bid, as their sights are set on a conference championship.

The lacrosse team has improved in all facets of their game, but the big advantage into this season's success can be pin pointed to the team depth. Neumann has been able to get the girls in and out on the fly and create a high paced style of play.

Another area of improvement for the Knights is in team defense. In comparison between the 2012 and 2013 seasons with 17 games played, the Knights have conceded 65 fewer goals (206 in 2012 and 141 in 2013). Aside from individual CSAC accolades, the back four has been equally resilient in protecting the net. Elissa DeCarlo, Jillian Earley, Lauren Frampton and Olivia Speakman have simply made Chrissy Hughes look good in net. When it has been needed, Hughes has pulled off the spectacular save.

The stability in the back has allowed the Knights attackers to be creative and adventurous around the crease. The scoring is more spread out this season and six different players carry the load. Rebecca Dolenti leads the team with 42 goals, Meghan Garsey leads the team with 54 points and Jordan Hopkins has 25 goals as a reserve player. Amanda Fedak has scored 15 more goals this season with 33 in 2013 and 18 in 2012. Lexy Wilkinson has improved her goal total to 23, while Koula Gregor has equaled her 20 goal total.

No. 3 Marywood (7-8 overall, 6-2 CSAC) enters the semifinals by getting past No. 6 Centenary 18-15 in a high scoring affair. The Pacers lean on Kimberly Commisso (48 goals, 10 assists on the season) and Sarah Caughy (41 goals, 12 assists on the season). Both Midfielders didn't disappoint the home fans in the win against the Cyclones, as Caughy led the team with six goals and recorded one assist. Caughy didn't spare their opponents going four for four on free positions attempts to goals ratio. Commisso was a sure focal point for the Cyclones and she was contained to a mere four goal and one assist performance.

The Knights won the first meeting 13-8 on April 4 at Marywood. Rebecca Dolenti scored four goals and Jordan Hopkins scored three goals. Koula Gregor had eight draw controls.

“We have matured a lot since we last played Marywood. They are an athletic team, but the good news is we are athletic too,” said Coach Malone. “I anticipate them coming out ready to go and it should be an exciting game!”

Neumann will host the CSAC semifinals in front a high capacity crowd to see the Knights battle against Marywood University on Wednesday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. The winner of the Knights / Pacers game will earn their way to the CSAC Championship game on May 4 against either No. 1 Cabrini or No. 4 Immaculata. 
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