2010 Lacrosse Season Preview

The UD Lacrosse team gears up for a strong season this year after a 2-11 2009 campaign under first year head coach Will Oakley. Now going into his sophomore season, coach Oakley's first recruiting class and the return of several upperclassmen lead to optimism.

Returning juniors Christine McFarland (Floral Park, NY/Floral Park Memorial H.S.), Hannah Piper (Lake Charles, LA/St. Louis Catholic H.S.), Meghan Frost (Slidell, LA/Northshore H.S.), and Becky Williams (Lyman, SC/Marianapolis Prep) lead the UD lacrosse program with their experience and leadership. The four have combined to play in 100 career games, 7 letters, and they all have made their way up the UD record books. Top among that group is one of last year's tri-captains Christine McFarland who begins this season holding the UD single season records in ground balls, caused turnovers and games. She is also the leader in career goals with a total of 71. In 27 games during her two seasons she has totaled 75 points on 71 goals and 4 assists, 88 ground balls, 28 caused turnovers, and 108 draw controls. She also holds the game record for goals with 9, which was recorded during a game her freshman year against Adrian College. Sophomores Teresa Tesoriero (Phoenix, AZ/Veritas Prep), Elizabeth Leland (St. Charles, MO/Gateway Academy), and Katherine Dautenhahn (Tulsa, OK/Tulsa School of Arts & Science) round out the contingent of upperclassmen with depth and much needed experience. McFarland will man the midfield and attack positions and is joined by Dautenhahn leading the offensive attack. Frost bolsters the midfield and is joined by Tesoriero, Piper, and Williams in solidifying the defense, while Leland is one of two goalies on the team.

Newcomers and juniors Anna Massey (Amarillo, TX/River Road H.S.), Nina DiPietro (Pasadena, CA/Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy), and Michelle Manley (Leander, TX/Leander H.S.) represent the three upperclassmen joining the squad, with Massey coming back to the team after a one year hiatus studying abroad. Massey spent the 2008 year manning the net in 14 games, while DiPietro and Manley provide depth to the attack and defense respectively.

Part of Oakley's recruiting efforts, and representing the youth, are freshmen midfielder/attack Irene Harris (Cockeysville, MD/Maryvale Prep), midfielder/attack Mary Salotto (Salt Lake City, UT/Skyline H.S.), and attack Julianna Rossi (Sammamish, WA/Eastside Catholic H.S.).

Although the team finished with only two wins, they broke four records last season and played several close games. They are hoping to couple the experience gained, stability, as well as support from the student body during their home games. Their first game is on Saturday, February 27 in Irving against the University of the Redlands. This will be one of three home games for the season and the team hopes to see much support from their fans to help them secure a strong start for the 2010 season.