UD Lacrosse Wraps up 2009 Season, Four Records Broken

The University of Dallas' Women's Lacrosse faced another challenging year, but wasn't void of team and individual accolades. Although they only returned two seniors and was comprised of several newcomers, three off the team captains helped lead the UD to 2-11 record. Senior captains and midfielders Becky Harris (Cockeysville, MD/Maryvale Prep) and Cindy Parks (Phoenix, AZ/Xavier College Prep) were joined by sophomore captain and midfielder Christine McFarland (Floral Park, NY/Floral Park Memorial H.S.) in aiding first year coach Will Oakley. Not only was there a new coach to get accustomed to and a new goalie, the team only played three home games this season with the remaining 10 played throughout the country. The team traveled to Oregon, Missouri, Chicago, and to sunny California over spring break. The Crusaders did well considering the small size and improved significantly under the tutelage of Oakley. The team's win's came against Wilson College (15-3) at the end of March and in their last game on May 3 against North Central College scoring 9 to the opponent's 6.

Even with the low win total, there were four UD records broken this year. Two by senior tri-captain Becky Harris and the other two by sophomore tri-captain Christine McFarland. Harris broke the UD record of two assists in a game with three assists in UD's first home game against Missouri Baptist University. At the same game, Harris broke the UD record for assists in her career after recording her 10th assist. Harris added one more in the season to extend the record to 11. Harris recorded 17 goals and four assists on 58 shots while picking up 23 ground balls, winning 14 draw controls, and causing six turnovers in 13 starts as she earned her fourth letter. In 51 games in her 4 year career, Harris amassed 43 goals and 11 assists for 54 points on 136 shots. She also finished with 74 ground balls, 29 draw controls, and 20 caused turnovers. McFarland broke the UD record of goals in a season by scoring 44 throughout theyear. McFarland, who was also named team MVP, finished with 44 goals and two assists in 79 shots, while also leading the team with 35 ground balls, 53 draw controls, and nine caused turnovers in 13 starts on her way to her second UD letter. In two seasons, McFarland has shown what kind of special player she is by scoring 71 goals and recording 4 more assists while taking 149 shots (127 on goal) in 27 career games. She also has picked up 88 groundballs, won 108 draw controls, and caused 28 turnovers. Although Parks did not set any records in her final year, she did move up the UD career list in her first season playing the midfield by scoring seven goals and assisting on four others while only taking 18 shots. She also picked up 17 ground balls, won 17 draw controls, and caused eight turnovers in 11 starts on her way to winning her fourth UD letter. In all, the trio combined to score 68 of the teams 74 goals and 10 out of the teams 13 assists

Unfortunately the University of Dallas' women's lacrosse team did have to wish the three seniors farewell: Becky Harris, Cindy Parks, and Mary Watson. Harris and Parks have both played all four years and were both captains this past season two seasons. Watson started playing this year with no previous experience in lacrosse; however, she improved immensely throughout the season and brought a unique spirit to the team. The women's lacrosse team looks forward to a great season next year, hoping to add new recruits to their line-up as well as keep the three now juniors and the eight freshmen as they move up to their sophomore year.