Defense looks to step up this year after major losses

Defense was the one area of the 2003 women's lacrosse team that did not undergo a rebuilding process from 2002. That will not be the case this year.

Anchored by seniors Kathy Kenney and Anne Takesian, last year's defense allowed an average of 9.1 goals per game, good for fourth best in the conference behind Middlebury (5.2), Colby (8.1), and Williams (8.6). Kenney was named to the IWLCA New England All-Region team in 2003. Tufts also lost goaltender Ari Kristan, a four year starter, to graduation.

Compounding the losses, junior Jess Fisher, another of last year's defensive starters, will not play this year due to personal reasons.

Senior tri-captain Christie Langenberg believes, however, that a strong first year class will help prevent a possible defensive drop-off.

"There are a lot of new freshmen coming in who are really talented," Langenberg said. "Most come from defensive midfield backgrounds."

Langenberg will help mold these freshmen as she sees time playing defense for the Jumbos this year. Also keeping the ball away from the net will be sophomore Hilary Pentz, who was the first defender off the bench last year. Of the defensive freshman, Lauren Murphy should see considerable time.

Senior tri-captain Lauren Peach, who played center midfield last year for Tufts, will be moving back to third man defense, which she played in high school and during her freshman year. The move was made to fill the void created by Kenney's departure.

"I'm really excited because this is more of my position," Peach said. "I think [sophomore] Meredith Harris will be a better center than me."

To be successful this year, the defense will need to make strides in its second half play. Winning close games was a big obstacle for the Jumbos last year. Peach hopes to see the team improve in this aspect.

"The captains were talking about how much leg speed we have this year, and that's what you need during the last ten minutes of the game," Peach said. "Last year we were a first half team. This year we need to be a second half team."

Langenberg spoke of last year's problem in terms of confidence.

"We've talked about it a lot. We didn't have the confidence last year to win in the second half," she said. "We need to be confident and composed and know that we can win those close games."

Coach Carol Rappoli echoed those thoughts.

"I'd hope we play a little better in close games this year," she said. "Maybe it was youth, maybe it was cohesiveness, but neither of those should be a problem this year."

With the offense looking dominant, the onus this year will lay at the feet of a small number of veterans and a flock of young guns to play strong defense. If they do, particularly in the second halves of games, the Jumbos may quickly find themselves back in contention in the NESCAC.