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Wilmington University
Women's Lacrosse
Women's Lacrosse 2008 Season Outlook
The 2008 Wilmington University Wildcats will hit the field for the start of the 2008 lacrosse season in January. The Wildcats will have a few changes this season with their move from College to University status and also on the lacrosse field.
Wilmington will have a strong returning cast led by their goalies, senior captain Catie Smith (Bel Air/Bel Air, MD) and sophomore Amber Smith (Aberdeen/Aberdeen, MD). Highlighting the returning defenders are seniors Stacey Spilman (C. Milton Wright/Bel Air, MD) and Heather DiBlasi (Joppatowne/Joppa, MD), juniors Kelsey LaPlume (Mercy/Bel Air, MD) and Catie Joynes (Bel Air/Bel Air, MD). In the midfield, the ‘Cats have firepower led by sophomore Amanda Jenkins (Kenwood/Baltimore, MD) and junior Katelyn Gibas (Aberdeen/Aberdeen, MD). Junior Krissy Sfetsas (Havre de Grace/Havre de Grace, MD), senior Amanda Beasley (Aberdeen/Aberdeen, MD), junior Leah Estremera (C. Milton Wright/Bel Air, MD), sophomore Brit Shaner (Brandywine/Claymont, DE), and senior Melissa Samio (St. Mark’s/Wilmington, DE) are strong multi position players who add speed and skills in a number of positions. In the attack third of the field the Wildcats are led by play-maker Amy Waggoner (Kenwood/Baltimore, MD) and the offensive spark provided from junior Kelly Wojciechowski (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/Baltimore, MD) and senior captain Colby Bugda (Bel Air/Abingdon, MD).
Adding to the mix this season will be a quick talented group of incoming student-athletes. Freshmen Chelsea Genco (C. Milton/Bel Air, MD) and Megan Whalen (Middletown/Middletown, DE) will add to the defending third of the field while classmates Sam Jewell (Aberdeen High/Aberdeen, MD), Amber Harmon (Glasgow/Bear, DE) and Danielle Niccoli (Kenwood/Baltimore, MD) will see time at multiple positions on the field this season.
"In each of the first three years since the program began we have looked to improve as a team. We have taken the schedule upward each year and we have been able to succeed”, head coach Dave Bugda stated. "The success that this program has tasted is a compliment to this group, coming prepared each year, in great shape, and ready to go to work. I cannot say enough good things about them, their approach to the game, and the loyalty to the team and each other." “I'm proud to be associated with this team, as all of the student-athletes are hard workers, and I am sure they will come ready again this season.” Gone from the group will be assistant coach Lynn Mann, who is off to begin new endeavors. “We will miss Lynn and what she brought to the table for us during her stay at Wilmington," Coach Bugda stated. New assistant Josh Ruggiero will step into the position this season.
"We will be keeping a lot of what Lynn brought to us in place but with the help of Ruggiero we will be adding a few new wrinkles in as well, by adding some extra intensity and using our speed and power as an advantage."
The Wildcats will start the season with a trip to North Carolina to play Lees McRae College, Hollins University and Ferrum College in late February and early March. The home opener for Wilmington University is Sunday March 9th against CACC foe Domincian College.