Date: March 15, 2000

YOUNG JUMBOS SEEK NINTH STRAIGHT POST-SEASON BERTH IN Y2K

The Tufts University women's lacrosse team finished 8-7 last season and made its eighth straight post-season appearance. As an indication of the program's history of success, that was the worst record in the 15 years Carol Rappoli has coached the team. Following an atypical Tufts season, and with an influx of new leaders and new talent, the 2000 Jumbos hope to sneak up on their opponents this spring.

As members of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), the Jumbos have their work cut out for them. Five of their league opponents begin the new season ranked among the Top 20 in the IWCLA National poll. Despite not having a senior on the roster, Rappoli is very enthusiastic about the team's ability.

The most experience is on attack, where juniors Jen Gregorian (Wayland, MA), Meghan Holtzman (Suffern, NY) and Katie Richardson (Monroe, CT) lead the way. After an "off" year last spring when she scored 25 goals, Gregorian looks to regain the form that produced 37 goals in her freshman campaign. Holtzman, a better than goal-per-game scorer in her career, is poised for a break-out season. Richardson, who scored 19 goals in '99, should be even more productive in a starting role.

Sophomore Liz Horowitz (Westbury, NY) and freshman Dana Chivvis (New Canaan, CT) will start at midfield attack, with sophomore Christina Orf (Lexington, MA) getting most of the time at center midfield. Rappoli thinks these six attackers, who have speed and excellent stick skills, will be as good as any attack the team faces this spring. Freshmen Ursula Stahl (Longmeadow, MA) and Maureen Mahon (Oswego, NY), a converted defender, will be offensive substitutions.

Because of its youth, defense will be the team's biggest question mark. Tufts allowed 141 goals last spring, the most in team history, but should improve with a versatile group this season. Sophomore Jenn Greene (Amherst, MA) and freshmen Anne Takesian (Needham, MA) and Gretchen Spadinger (Cape Elizabeth, ME) will rotate at the two defensive midfield spots. Junior Colette Gaudet (Redding, CT) is the leader of the line defenders, and sophomore Samantha Snitow (Philadelphia, PA) was a part-time starter last spring. Freshman Kathy Kenney (Needham, MA) will also likely start on the back row. Spadinger and Kenney could also spell Orf, who had 11 goals last year, at center midfield.

Rappoli thinks goalkeeper Ari Kristan (South Windsor, CT) is the best incoming freshman she's ever had at goalkeeper. A key to her success will be taking charge on the field, which can be difficult for a first-year player. Technically she has the skills to be the difference in winning close games.

"We've played three scrimmages and have improved dramatically with each situation," Rappoli said. "I want each kid to continue to evolve so that we are better at the end of each week than we were at the beginning."

Tufts opens its 2000 season versus Hamilton during their spring break trip to Panama City, Florida on March 24. The New England opener is March 28 at Wheaton, with the home opener on April 1 versus Trinity.

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