Friday, May 20, 2005

MURPHY ON IWLCA ALL-NEW ENGLAND FIRST TEAM

MEDFORD – One of the most improved players in New England this spring, Tufts University sophomore Lauren Murphy (Hingham, MA/Hingham) has been named to the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA)/US Lacrosse New England All-Regional First Team on defense.

Murphy emerged as a leader on the Jumbos this spring and as one of the best two-way players in the competitive New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). A starter on defense for the Jumbos, she also emerged into an offensive force after scoring just one goal as a freshman in 2004.

An All-NESCAC Second Team pick this spring, Murphy scored 24 goals with seven assists for 31 points, third on the team. She was second on the Tufts squad with 42 ground balls, 19 draw controls and 35 draw controls. She scored on .585 of her shot attempts, leading Jumbo regulars.

Tufts finished 8-7 overall and 4-5 in NESCAC, losing three conference games by one goal. Murphy was second on the team with 17 goals in NESCAC games. All of this production while also playing a key role in Tufts' 8.73 goals against average, ranked fourth in the league, earns Murphy status as one of the best young players in the region. She is one of only two sophomores on the All-New England First Team, joining Middlebury College's Kim Walker.

Murphy started all 14 games on defense for the Jumbos last season, but stayed in more of a defensive role. She was second on the team with 48 ground balls. As the defender Tufts sent into the offensive zone this season, she blossomed into a two-way player who will lead Coach Carol Rappoli's team in the future.

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