Women's Lacrosse 2005 Season Outlook - Guilford College

      First-year head coach Matthew Grosso begins his tenure at Guilford College bringing a high level of energy and experience to a program that has struggled in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and NCAA Division III in recent years.   Take a close look at the roster, because only five letter winners return from last year's 4-9 squad (2-6 ODAC).  The addition of a new coach, eight talented freshmen, and one experienced transfer gives the Quakers an entirely new look in 2005.  Grosso intends to insert an up-tempo style of offense and a number of aggressive defensive schemes.  The new additions to the lineup along with the offensive and defensive changes will give the Quakers' opponents a new challenge this season.

Here's a preview of the 2005 Quakers' lineup by position:

      ATTACK: Junior captains Moira Foley (Guilford's top returning scorer) and Katie Gilligan will provide a strong offensive presence to complement the youth surrounding them.  Gilligan's switch from defense to attack last season was productive before suffering a season-ending injury eight games into 2004.  Freshman Cayrn Washington, a Baltimore native, will also make an immediate impact as versatile player and scoring threat for the Quakers. 

      MIDFIELD: The deepest part of Guilford's squad, the Quakers will field a strong mix of youth and experience in the midfield.  Sophomores Billie Pellerito and Emily Mayer both return after injury-shortened 2004 seasons and are joined by fellow classmate Caryn Stone, a 2004 (Honorable Mention) All-ODAC selection.  Complementing them in the midfield will be the one-two punch of freshmen teammates Jordan Clodfelter and Mary Hutchins at attack wing.  The two New Englanders played together for the successful Green Mountain Girls club lacrosse team for two summers.  Freshmen Susie King and Johanna Breed had strong fall seasons and will also contribute in the midfield rotation. 

      DEFENSE: The defense will be anchored in 2005 by freshmen Kelly Gonzalez and Greensboro native Jenn Maynard.  Sophomore Jess Simmons, a transfer from Colorado College, also looks to compete for a starting defensive position.

      GOALIE: Guilford's youth extends to the goal as freshman Devorah Litt steps into a starting role to defend the cage.

      Guilford begins its competition in February hosting the South of the Border preseason tournament.  Twelve teams will participate in the tournament including national powers William Smith, Mary Washington, and Washington and Lee.  The tournament runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on February 12.  The Quakers open their regular season with a home game versus cross-town rival Greensboro  February 23 at 4:00 p.m.