By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/16/10
Villa Maria Academy senior attack Elise Bendinelli has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Villanova University.
Bendinelli had 59 goals and 20 assists last year and was a First Team Athletic Association of Catholic Academies (AACA) pick, helping the Hurricanes (11-8) reach the league finals and advance to the District 1 tournament. Bendinelli, who played in the National Tournament in May, plays club lacrosse for PA Express.
Bendinelli is the third Philly senior to commit to Villanova where she will play for coach Jebb Chagan. The others are Bishop Shanahan midfielder and PA Express teammate Hannah Goforth and Souderton midfielder Danielle Notvest.
Bendinelli, a member of the National Honors Society and the Latin Honors Society, plans to major in business.
“I really chose Villanova for the academics, especially its business school,” said Bendinelli, who also won the Princeton Book Award for exemplary academics. “I like the Main Line area and the location of the campus. It’s not too big and not too small.
“I also like the school spirit. I grew up right around there and I’ve gone to basketball games. I’ve loved it since I was a kid.”
Bendinelli already has a head start on college credits since she is a Diocesan scholar and is taking courses at Immaculata.
Bendinelli is the second Villa Maria senior to commit to a Division I college; defender Catherine Layne has committed to Penn State.
“This year we’re going to have really high expectations,” said Bendinelli. “Last year was a huge building year. Our goal is to win the league and go as far as we can in districts.”
