Syracuse women’s lacrosse season begins against neighbor Le Moyne Sunday
Christina Dove is aware that the Syracuse women’s lacrosse team’s most prominent attribute is its offense. In 2008, the Orange led the nation in total goals and scoring average, notching 380 goals in 21 games and averaging 18.01 scores per match.
But the junior midfielder, who led the Big East in goals, understands that SU’s prolific offense can’t sustain a championship run alone and that a slight change in execution will be essential to advance.
‘We’re looking to strengthen our defense, because championship teams start with its defense,’ Dove said. ‘Our offense comes more naturally. We’re adjusting to other teams that are going to figure out our tendencies and strengths, so we’re trying to add new things and be creative on defense.’
No. 2 Syracuse will look to experiment with its innovative defensive schemes Sunday at noon, when the Orange square off against cross-town rival Le Moyne in its season opener at the Carrier Dome.
The game will also give Syracuse head coach Gary Gait a first look at his new defensive lineup. With veteran defenders Christina Gibson, Shannon Brushe and Stephanie Bissett graduating last year, the Orange defense is currently adapting to a rebuilding situation.
Taking their place on defense will most likely be juniors Rebecca Greenslade, Eileen Finn, Breanna Stiff and Lindsay Rogers. Incoming freshman Nicole Perkins is also in the mix. Liz Hogan returns for her second season as the starting goalie.
But not everyone thinks the defense this year is rebuilding. Junior midfielder Sarah Sedgwick is optimistic that the Orange defense has the potential to surprise the critics and efficiently contain opposing offenses.
‘I think we have a very strong defense this year,’ Sedgwick said. ‘Our defense is probably better, because we have four girls that know what their doing out there, they’ve been playing together for four or five years, and they communicate really well together.’
Still, SU will have to beware of injuries. Midway through last year, the Orange defense had several lapses when it lost then-junior midfielder Bridget Looney to a season-ending knee injury.
Even though the Orange made a respectable postseason run in 2008, the defense struggled and never regained its early form.
‘I think that’s our area for most improvement, the defensive end,’ Gait said. ‘One of our main focuses that we’ve been working on in the offseason is not being predictable on defense, having different formations, styles of defense and pressure defense, as opposed to man-to-man defense. We’ll also try a little bit of zone and positioning and working on our takeaway skills, just trying to improve every player from the bottom up on the defensive end.’
During scrimmages, the defenders have the opportunity to practice against one of the nation’s best offenses, consisting of the three preseason All-American candidates – Dove, Halley Quillinan and Katie Rowan. It’s a benefit that Dove believes can ease the tension for the defense come game day.
‘Everyday we come out and our defenders are trying to push our offense, and the offense is trying to push the defense – it’s like a synergy for this team to become better,’ Dove said. ‘We were successful last year, but we’ll be even more confident this year.’
That remains to be seen for the Orange. But the first step in that journey will take place against the Dolphins.
Despite playing a relatively weak Le Moyne squad, Gait won’t downplay the significance of his team’s season-opener. Knowing the Dolphins’ playing style, Gait established certain objectives he has for his players, specifically the defense, and expects them to set a convincing tone early in the game.
‘It will be nice to play a team in a different color jersey,’ Gait said. ‘We’ve been practicing for about five weeks now and we haven’t scrimmaged anyone else. They’re going to be a scrappy team and they’re going to have a lot of pride. They’re going to show up in the Dome, expecting to give it everything they have. Our players need to be able to execute and show up with energy and enthusiasm.’
