SU Women’s Lacrosse Begins 2003 Season Ranked 18th Nationally

The Salisbury women’s lacrosse team returns 12 letterwinners from last year’s 9-6 team, but must find some offensive replacements after graduating the top three scorers on last year’s squad. Adding to the challenge is the fact that two of the three graduates - Christine Sliger and Amanda Almon - concluded their careers as the program’s second and third all-time point producers. Nevertheless, with a strong core of midfielders and defenders back, Salisbury hopes to challenge for its third Capital Athletic Conference championship in four years.

“I’ve been impressed with the team during our preseason practices,” says second-year Head Coach Jim Nestor. “We’ve shown good teamwork and good balance throughout the lineup.”

The Sea Gulls, ranked 18th in the IWLCA preseason poll, open the season against St. Anselm at home on Wednesday, March 5.  

Junior Jessica White (14g-11a in 2002), who split time between midfield and attack last year, is the top returning scorer and will remain at attack this season. Another converted midfielder, junior co-captain Amber Stansbury (4g), should also increase her scoring output while playing fulltime at attack. Junior Lindsay Blount (12g-1a) will also be a key player on attack. Freshmen Lynsey Bateman and Liz Funk are among the newcomers who should provide added scoring punch.

Five experienced returnees headline the midfield unit. Senior Shannon Jarrett (15g-4a), a valuable contributor as a transfer last season, and senior co-captain Katie Zielinski (6g), a three-year letterwinner, lead the unit. Sophomores Linda Ackermann (4g-1a), Emily Dutch (2g-1a) and Sarah Slafkosky (1g) enjoyed productive rookie campaigns and will play larger roles this spring.  Freshmen Mary Bateman and Jessica Froats are also likely to contribute as first-year players.

Senior Melissa Dugan, a four-year starter, will anchor the defense. She is joined by junior Kelly Murphy and senior Alicia Groveston. Senior goalie Dena Glisan averaged 8.9 saves per game last year with a 51.4 save percentage. Freshmen Ali Goetz and Teresa Rossbach add further depth in goal.

“Our goal is to challenge for the conference championship once again this season,” says Nestor. “If we play well in our CAC games, we should be right in the battle for the title. If we do that, then our ranking in the region will take care of itself.”

Feb. 26, 2003