Guilford College Ranked in Preseason ODAC Lacrosse Polls

Greensboro, N.C.(2/6/07) -- The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) released its men's and women's lacrosse preseason polls Tuesday. Guilford's men were picked seventh by the league's head lacrosse coaches and the Quakers' women hold the sixth spot.

In the men's poll, defending league champion Roanoke tops the rankings with five of seven first-place votes. Hampden-Sydney finished second in the balloting and received one first-place vote. Washington and Lee stands first in the women's poll, securing all nine first-place votes.

Third-year head coach Andy Rowe returns 22 letter winners from last year's men's squad that went 4-10. Returners include attacker Todd Bochenek, an honorable mention All-ODAC selection and the team leader in goals (14) and assists (24). Junior captains Dan Orr and Manny Sargeant lead the midfielders while junior Tyler Harrison and sophomore Gates Benson are back on defense after starting every game last season. Highly touted freshman Matt Brewster, a high school All-American, challenges junior Andrew Vigne, a two-year starter, and senior Andrew Bond in goal.

Head women's coach Matthew Grosso looks to improve on last year's 5-11 record with 10 returning letter winners. Guilford returns all of its top scorers, including attacker Jordan Clodfelter, a 2006 Second Team All-ODAC selection. Caryn Washington and Allison Brown join Clodfelter on the front line. Team scoring leader and Second Team All-ODAC pick Mary Hutchins leads the midfielders. Senior captains Billie Pellerito (2006 honorable mention All-ODAC) and Caryn Stone (2006 Second Team All-ODAC) will assist in midfield responsibilities. Jennifer Maynard, an honorable mention all-league pick last year, and junior captain Kelly Gonzalez secure the defense. Freshmen Jessica Bolton and Alyzza May-Callahan vie for the Quakers' starting goalie position.

The men play their season-opener Feb. 24 against visiting York. The women open three days later versus league-rival Lynchburg in the Quakers' Armfield Athletic Center.

2007 ODAC Women's Lacrosse Preseason
Coaches' Poll (first-place votes in parentheses)
Place Team Points
1. Washington and Lee (9) 81
2. Virginia Wesleyan 70
3. Randolph-Macon 58
4. Roanoke 51
5. Lynchburg 46
6. Guilford 42
7. Bridgewater 25
8. Sweet Briar 23
9. Hollins 9

2007 ODAC Men's Lacrosse Preseason
Coaches' Poll (first-place votes in parentheses)
Place Team Points
1. Roanoke (5) 46
2. Hampden Sydney (1) 37
3. Lynchburg 36
4. Washington and Lee (1) 35
5. Virginia Wesleyan 19
6. Randolph-Macon 12
7. Guilford 11