By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/9/09
They didn’t really plan on playing lacrosse at the same college, but Marple Newtown best friends Jackie Roebuck and Melanie Sarcinello are thrilled they both signed letters of intent to play at La Salle University next year.
After all, they have been playing together since seventh grade at Paxon Hollow Middle 
School and also played together for Blitz Lacrosse club. So, when Sarcinello followed Roebuck and committed to the Philly university, both were happy.
“We both were looking at different colleges, and this was the best fit for me,” said Sarcinello, who had 77 goals and 32 assists last year at midfield and attack. “It wasn’t too far from home and it will be awesome to be able to play with Jackie. We didn’t make the decision based on that, but it’s a big bonus.”
Added Roebuck: “Actually, it’s kind of ironic that we both chose La Salle. I committed and coach (first-year mentor Candace Taglianetti) started to talk to her. It just worked that way.
“I loved the team and it was a good fit for both of us. Her going there is a plus, she is my best friend and teammate and we’ve always played together.
“We’re so excited. Even though we won’t room together, we know it will be so much fun.”
Roebuck, who amassed 78 goals and 46 assists last year and also earned Academic All-American, said she is happy to go to school in the city and plans to major in elementary education.
“When I visited there I loved the coaches, and the players were so nice,” she said. “I feel I can mesh with them. I love the city.
“And I am actually doing my senior project at an elementary school, and I always loved working with kids. I’ve worked in a day care, and my sister is majoring in education at Villanova.”
Sarcinello was ranked 29th out of 300 in her class heading into her senior year and earned Academic All-American honors in 2008. She also is considering elementary education as a major, as well as marketing.
“I am wavering between the two,” she said.
Sarcinello said the two Tigers will welcome the challenge of Division I lacrosse.
“It will definitely be an adjustment,” she said. “There are the fast transitions from the midfield and (we’ll face) the quick offense, as well as, I’m sure, the aggressiveness. It’s a lot more physical than in high school.”
Speaking of high school, Sarcinello believes the Tigers can improve on their 6-13 record of last year.
“I’m really excited for the season,” she said. “We lost a few (seniors), but we kept a lot of the team together and we’ve been working hard in the offseason.”
“We are definitely looking to improve this year,” added Roebuck. “Last year we made the playoffs for first time in five or six years, and we’ll be trying to improve on that and better our seed.”
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