University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Have Positive Outlook for 2003
2/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
The 2003 University of Connecticut women’s lacrosse team has all the pieces necessary to take the next step forward towards gaining national respect. Last year’s results set the bar high for UConn as the team posted an overall record of 9-7, with a mark of 6-1 against New England teams, a 3-3 record in the BIG EAST and a top 25 ranking at the season’s end.
While Connecticut will miss all seven graduated seniors from 2002, the guidance and knowledge they passed on to the returning players will have a major impact on the 2003 squad. Seventh-year head coach Bonnie Rosen is excited about the physical talent and mindset of this team, and feels the energy of the freshmen and sophomore classes coupled with the determination of the veteran players will provide the momentum to lead UConn to a strong season in 2003.
A talented and experienced senior class is in place to lead the Huskies. Impacting all positions on the field (goalkeeping, defense, midfield, and attack), they will be essential in defining the character of this team. In addition to the four true seniors on the team, Kelly Feeley and Heather Levins both return for a fifth-year at UConn. A 2002 All-BIG EAST Second Team member, Feeley notched 24 goals and six assists, scored in every one UConn’s final 15 games and led the team with 58 ground balls. Co-captain of the 2003 squad, this defensive midfielder will use her game sense, speed and powerful shot to lead the team. Levins is a quick, agile and explosive player. Opponents will be kept busy with her as the team will be looking for big things from her on offense.
A co-captain of the 2003 squad, Heather Bliss is a tremendous offensive power that likes to run the midfield. Over the past three years, she has worked hard on her defensive game, making her a key player all over the field. Bonnie Wehinger is a finesse attacker that loves to feed the ball from behind the net as she assisted on nine goals in 2002. Her excellent shot placement and tight stick skills are the hallmark of her play. A defender first, but a serious threat on offense, Susan Payne’s hard work and intensity are the focus of her game. Finally, April Pollock has been a mainstay in the UConn goal for the last three years. She has extremely quick hands and ball tracking skills. A vocal leader from the goal, she looks to solidify the defense with her play and leadership.
A hard working group, the junior class of five has an extremely high work ethic that helps set the tone in practice and in games. Kariane Lauri often comes off quiet and shy, but on the field, her play is anything but understated. A scorer and playmaker from the beginning, it has been her improvement as a defender that has helped take her play to the next level. An unfortunate ACL injury at the start of the 2002 season ended what was looking to be a stellar year for midfielder Tanya Kotowicz. She worked hard over the summer and fall and is ready again to bring her creativity and hard-nosed style of play to the field. Anna Konyukhov, a consummate team player, is known for her ability to push her teammates as well as herself. While much of her impact thus far has been behind the scenes, she will be looked to for added offensive power this year. Her two years of experience has paid off for Jaime Byrnes as she has positioned herself as one of the leaders on defense. Her quick footwork and vocal presence will help solidify the defense. Rounding out the group, Melissa MacDougall is player that thrives on competition. A relentless defender, her physical play and strong presence make her a great match-up defender for the Huskies.
The sophomore class boasts 13 players that bring talent and enthusiasm to all positions on the field. While they still may lack some experience at the collegiate level, the group will definitely make an impact for the Huskies in 2003. Having a standout freshman season, Tracy Mullaney was honored with 2002 All-BIG EAST Second Team honors after she recorded 30 goals and 11 assists for 41 points during her rookie campaign. Mullaney is one of the most creative offensive players on the field and her game has matured making her even more of a threat this season. Jacqui Hamilton’s height and speed coupled with her stick work and hard shot make her a threat to opposing defenses. Big things are expected of Hamilton in 2003 from the attacking midfield position. Solid and consistent play are hallmarks of Abbey VanDeusen’s game. She is extremely comfortable and effective in the attacking end but will also be a key player for UConn through the midfield. Kate Wadach is the spark plug that energizes everyone on the field. Despite her small frame, she is a threat to the goal. Speed and power characterize Tammy Michel’s style of play. She attacks hard to the goal, and proves difficult for the opposing defenses to stop. Providing additional depth to the offense is Jessica Gonnella. She is a finesse attacker with good ball handling skills, especially inside the eight-meter. Dana Stewart really has come into her own during the fall, improving on her talents on the attacking position.
The sophomore class will also be a big contributing factor on the defensive end. Heather McHugh is intense and enthusiastic and is committed to be the best player she can be. A defender first, her speed through the midfiled will make her a threat on offense as well. A standout one-on-one defender, Kelly Robinson is known for playing strong defense and keeping her opponents away from the goal, a key ingredient to the UConn defense. Stephanie Krouse returns from a wrist injury she suffered at the beginning half of the 2002 season. Her excellent anticipation off the ball and a knack for blocking passes will be a welcome addition to the team. Larua Maud is a solid team defender, while Maggie Meehan will be a spark with her intensity and vocal presence on the field. Lastly, goalie Jen Wong saw quality time last season and will bring competition to the position. She is technically strong and with a year of collegiate experience behind her she is more mature and confident.
The 2003 freshmen class is small but very well rounded and will be looked to for providing depth in every position. In goal, Kristen Haldeman, with her excellent reaction time, has the ability to make the point blank saves. Adding to the defensive depth on the team will be Clare Schwan and Cea Fong. Schwan’s athletic ability and understanding of team defense along with her ability to run the midfield will make her an asset over the next four years. Fong is a two sport athlete at UConn as she is also a member of the field hockey team and is an outstanding defender that with a little more experience will really make an impact on the team. Finally, on attack, the Huskies welcome Allison Tyminski. Her ability to put the ball in the net and find the open player will be an excellent addition to the already talented offense.
UConn’s schedule will once again prove to be a competitive one in 2003. The Big East Conference has developed into a dominant conference in the nation and along with those games, the Huskies will have an opportunity to compete against other top teams in and out of the region. It is a schedule that will have the Huskies playing as many games at home as they will be away. When asked about the prospect of the season, Rosen said the team will take the season one day at a time, but she is extremely excited with the outlook.
UConn opens on the road against Massachusetts on February 28, which the Huskies defeated for the first time ever in 2002. To begin March, Connecticut will play host to Quinnipiac (March 2), New Hampshire (March 9) and Yale (March 12). UConn will then travel to Orlando, Fla., to face Lafayette and Vanderbilt, during spring break. Syracuse will travel to Storrs to open Big East play the last weekend in March.
April will be a competitive month as UConn hits the bulk of its schedule. Connecticut will travel to nationally-ranked Notre Dame on April 5 and then jump over to Northwestern the following day. UConn will then play host to Boston College on April 9 for conference play and then follow up with a trip to Rutgers on April 12. Also a big victory in 2002, the Huskies defeated Boston University, and look to take two wins in a row from the Terriers on April 16. Virginia Tech (April 19) and Fairfield (April 23) come to Storrs, and to close out April, UConn will face the 2002 Big East champions, Georgetown, on April 27. Senior Day will end the regular season schedule as the Huskies will play Towson at home on May 3.
