Women’s Lacrosse Ready to Kick Off Season – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/8/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
March 8, 2001
%^$%^$COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Women’s lacrosse team opens its season playing host to the Bobcats of Ohio University March 10, 2 p.m. at the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.%^$%^$
2000 Highlights
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Last season marked the second consecutive winning season in program history. OSU finished the 2000 season with a record of 9-7. Earning All-America honors was Miranda James. Also garnering post season awards were the Academic All-Big Ten selections of, Megan Barnett, Celeste Cianfrani, Lauren Cochran, Nicki Jones, Trisha Miller, Megan Mirick, and Kylee Reade.%^$%^$
OSU’s Captain
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Taking the captain honors for the upcoming season is Senior Celeste Cianfrani. She was the teams leading point scorer last season with 46 points on 25 goals and 21assists.%^$%^$
The Coach
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Coach Sue Stimmel is entering her sixth season as head women’s lacrosse coach at Ohio State. She has compiled a 36-33 mark at OSU in her five years.%^$ In the programs first year as a varsity sport, Stimmel led OSU to a respectable 5-5 record. During her five year tenure, Buckeye lacrosse players have gained Academic All Conference honors 25 times and have been OSU Scholar-Athletes 49 times.%^$ Stimmel came to Ohio State from Denison University where she guided the Big Red to a 76-24 record during her career.%^$ A 1984 graduate of Temple University, Stimmel received her degree in Mathematics. She was a four-year starter and a member of Temple’s national championship teams in 1982 and 1984. She was named Regional All-American and was invited to the U.S. Olympic trials.%^$%^$
The Outlook
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In Goal
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Defending the goal this season will be junior Megan Barnett. Barnett started all 16 games last year and finished the season ranked 27th nationally in goals-against average with 9.73 goals a game. Backing up Barnett this season will be senior Stacey Williams.%^$%^$
Attack
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OSU is expected to be quicker and to show better fast break opportunities. Cianfrani leads a strong group. With sophomores Tracey Bounds and Shannon Wilson, OSU has a potent offense. In the wings are seniors Lindsay Kolesar, Erin Anderson and junior Candace Taglianetti. Coach Stimmel expects OSU will have more threatening players stepping up this season.%^$%^$
Midfield
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With many players returning from last season, the midfielders are a well-rounded group anchored by juniors Lauren Cochran, Trisha Miller and Kylee Reade. Giving the midfield some depth are sophomore Alexia Vogler and Junior Megan Mirick.%^$%^$
Defense
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Junior Trish Dewart and sophomore Kimberly Lowe return as defensive starters this season. Dewart scored 21 points off 14 goals and seven assists while Lowe had a team-high 36 caused turnovers.%^$%^$
Newcomers
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Seven new freshman are joining the Buckeyes for the 2001 campaign. Caroline Watherill, Kelly Cook, Amy Tulk will add depth to the midfield, while Kelli Anne Kelly-Williams, Jodi McLaughlin and Kate Cochran will support the defense.%^$%^$
The Series
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This season marks the third time OSU and OU have met. Ohio State leads the series 2-0.%^$%^$
Scouting the Bobcats
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Ohio is just in its third season of varsity lacrosse. The Bobcats are returning 12 letterwinners, led by Alyssa Trocher, who is coming off a 40 goal and 13 assist season.%^$%^$
The Bobcats’ Coach
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Since becoming a Division-I program the Bobcats have been under the helm of Anne Moelk. Moelk, who played and coached under Stimmel, is no stranger to Ohio State. Moelk spent her playing career at Denison University and was coached by Stimmel. Upon graduating, Moelk came to OSU and coached under Stimmel, while receiving her masters degree in sport and exercise studies.%^$%^$
Next Up
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Next week the Buckeyes play host to Colgate Friday, March 16 at 4 p.m.. On March 18, the Buckeyes hit the road for the first time this season battling Boston University at St. Joesephs.
