Feb. 18, 2005

DURHAM, N.C. - The University of Denver women's lacrosse team opens the 2005 season this weekend in Durham, N.C. against Duquesne and Duke. The Pioneers will open the season versus the Dukes on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8:30 a.m. MT and play the Blue Devils on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. MT.

With a roster that includes more underclassmen than veterans, head coach Cathy Nelson Reese will mix the old with the new to create a competitive squad for 2005. With 13 fresh faces joining the program, Reese has spent the fall and winter helping the team adjust to playing with each other.

"I am really impressed with this year's freshman class," Reese said. "They are going to make a huge impact on this squad immediately. Despite their age, they have shown a lot of leadership."

With over half the roster made up of newcomers, Reese hopes to make some changes to benefit the program.

"I want to create a competitive environment," Reese said. "Our newcomers are going to surprise a lot of people. They are a very talented class."

With Steph Schneider returning for her final season as the Pioneers' goalkeeper, Reese anticipates the veteran will be the leader of Denver's strong defense.

"Out defense will be led again by senior Steph Schneider," Reese said. "The rest of the positions will be a mix of experience and youth."

Lindsay Robinson, Beth Cordova, Jessie Freer, Crystal Jack and Alyssa Passavia all return to lead the defense. Robinson, Cordova and Freer are all quick players with speed and composure, while Jack and Passavia are aggressive players who will rotate between defense and midfield. The remainder of the defense will consist of newcomers. Kelly O'Connell, Danielle Provance and Tammy Corcoran have all worked hard during the fall season and will see a considerable amount of playing time on defense.

Despite losing one of the greatest players in school history in Patience Baldwin, the midfield should be able to manage. Starters Stephanie Greenlees, Kate Broderick and Jack are returning for 2005 and will be looked upon to step up after the loss of Baldwin.

"Our midfielders have speed and strength and will be a huge asset to our team. Freshmen Victoria Baines and Carolina Muldoon have the speed to make an impact for the Pioneers immediately."

Greenlees, now a junior, finished the 2004 season ranked first on the team in points and goals. Broderick finished fourth on the team in points, goals and assists. The Pioneers' explosive attack will be led by Tara Bourdelaise and Tanya Fuchs. Bourdelaise tallied 20 goals on just 57 shots last season. Fuchs scored seven goals in the three games she played last season before going down with a knee injury.

"Tara (Bourdelaise) and Tanya (Fuchs) will be controlling our attack," Reese said. "They are very consistent and powerful players who show all the characteristics of good athletes."

Megan Carver and Megan Tyrie should make an impression on the attack immediately.

"Both (Carver and Tyrie) have the ability to see open players along with having strong one-one-one skills."

Greenlees, Broderick and Jack will also rotate up to assist with Denver's attack.

"Greenlees has outstanding one-on-one moves and a nice shot, while Broderick has great ball placement and accuracy," Reese said.

The Pioneers return 72 percent of last season's goals.