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Owl Laxwomen Set for home opener on Tuesday
KEENE, N.H. 3/9/09 - There's always a transitional period when a new coach takes over a program. And that will certainly be the case as first year coach Katie Arsenault assumes the reins of the Keene State women's lacrosse team this season.
Keene State, which is scheduled to play its home-opener against Mount Holyoke College tomorrow (4:30 p.m.) on a snow-bordered Owl Athletic Complex field, brings a 0-1 record into the game.
The transition was very much in evidence last Wednesday as the Owls dropped their season-opener at Endicott College 13-8. Falling behind 10-2 at the half, KSC saw its late game rally come up short.
Arsenault said the game was learning experience for both herself and her players. "It was pretty nerve racking and exciting," said Arsenault, who served as an Owl assistant under Michelle Mason last year. "Since we hadn't played yet, it was like a jack-in-the-box because once the game started you had no idea what was going to pop up."
Pleased with her team's second half turnaround, Arsenault doesn't prescribe to the theory that a transitional season can't be a successful season.
"Our goal is to win the Little East championship," said Arsenault, a native of Wayland, Mass., who starred at Colby-Sawyer College. "If we play up to our potential, we can play with every team in the conference."
Arsenault's optimism is further enhanced by the return of 13 letter-winners and nine starters from last year's 13-8 (4-2 LEC) team that advanced to the semifinal round of the LEC and ECAC tournaments. Add a talented group of newcomers to the mix and it's not inconceivable that Keene State could be celebrating its first LEC crown this spring.
Keene State, which led the LEC in goals, assists, and points per game and shattered numerous team records, should continue to be an offensive juggernaut. The Owls welcome back their top two leading scorers Jill Kirk (58-14-72) and Jenny Lillis (54-14-68). Earning All-LEC honors as freshmen, the dynamic duo will be helped up front by the return of sophomores Lauren Sawyer (35-35-70), Jamie Albert (33-5-38), Missy Luzzi (7-4-11), and Emily Persano (13-6-19).
Senior captain Molly Corcoran, juniors Dene Tully (24-10-34) and Tessa Shea will team up with Lillis to give the Owls are speedy and productive midfield.
Sophomore Annie Brown will anchor the Owls' defense along with Shannon Palumbo. Brown, a second-team All-LEC selection, and Palumbo will benefits from last season's experience and help shore up an area of concern for Arsenault.
A two-time All-LEC second-team goalie, senior captain Jen Gearing (10.72 GAA, .492 save pct.) returns for her third season as KSC's starter between the pipes. One of the top keepers in the LEC, Gearing set KSC records for wins (12) and saves (189) in a season last spring. Sophomore Meghan LeDoux (7.60 GAA, .542 save pct.) is expected to see more playing time as the team's back-up goalie.
Top freshman include defender Samantha Benson and attack Caitlyn Corace, who netted three goals against Endicott.
"Being on the staff last season was a huge help as far as knowing the players and their strengths," said Arsenault. "It's not like we're starting from scratch. "There's no reason why this team can't having a winning season."
