DENVER - The Regis women’s lacrosse team will see their first game action this weekend as they travel to play the University of Northern Colorado club lacrosse team on Saturday.
The Rangers led by second-year head coach Sarah Averson returns seven from last season’s 4-6 team. Led by seniors Jen Gunlikson, Amanda Ponzer and Lillian Yanni the Rangers look to improve on that record and welcome nine newcomers to the squad. Coach Averson stated, “We have a good balance of returners and newcomers, the newcomers have already had an impact on our team in practices. I am looking forward to seeing what this team can do against some tough competition.”
“We had some injuries in the fall”, says Averson, “and one of our major goals is to keep everyone healthy.” The Rangers, who only have three home games, will make three trips to the east coast where the majority of the NCAA Division II schools are. Regis is the only NCAA Division II school west of the Mississippi River that sponsors women’s lacrosse.
The Rangers conditioning is a top priority as they are hampered by the fact that they are a small team with only 16 players. Not to mention, on the trips to the east coast they will play in four sets of back-to-back games and will play four games in six days during the first of March.
The Rangers will play four teams that were ranked in the top 10 at the end of last year. Adelphi finished the season #4, Gannon #6, Pfeiffer #7 and Queens #9 in the IWLCA Division II Poll.
There are only 43 schools that sponsor NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse and of the 43 only six schools are invited to participate in the postseason tournament.
Individually Gunlikson led the team with 38 goals and 23 ground controls in 2007. Right behind her was fellow senior Amanda Ponzer as she scored 30 goals and led the team with 10 assists. Yanni tallied 10 goals and was second on the team with 19 draw controls. Junior Ashley Beauchemin scored two goals and two assists while leading the team causing 13 turnovers. Sophomore goalkeeper Brittany Farniok is back in goal after playing every minute possible in net boasting a .511 save percentage.
The Rangers will look to make 2008 the year that Regis Lacrosse was put on national landscape. With the leadership of three seniors and a good recruiting class the Rangers are looking to the future sooner rather than later.
Regis University is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).