Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/12/10
The La Salle University women’s team – featuring 16 players from the Philly area, and a coach that graduated from Haverford High – opens its 2010 season tonight (7:00) at Navy at Rip Miller Field on the grounds of the Naval Academy.
The game was moved from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium due to the nearly three feet of snow that have fallen in Annapolis over the last week. Admission is free.
Fans without a Department Of Defense sticker or pass to drive on to Academy grounds can take the shuttle bus from the press box side of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to Rip Miller Field. There is a $5 charge to park at the stadium and the shuttle is free. The shuttle will start running at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Fans can also walk to Rip Miller Field through the Naval Academy Visitors Entrance near Gate 1.
The Explorers, guided by second-year coach Candace Taglianetti, were 4-12 last year. They are led offensively by seniors Stefany McKee (All-Conference Second Team last year/33 goals) and Jill Davis (Ridley/28 goals), junior Ashley Rutz (25 goals) and sophomore Nora McGurkin (Penn Charter/All-Conference Rookie Team/ 12 goals, 15 assists).
Other returning starters from Philly include junior goalie Mara Schnellenbach (Ridley/103 saves), sophomore midfielder Ali Herman (North Penn/team high 16 assists), sophomore midfielder Sara Ciaverelli (North Penn/19 groundballs), junior midfielder Nicole McCurdy (Germantown Academy/ 32 groundballs, 25 caused turnovers) and senior defender Dorothy Schalleur (Upper Darby/17 groundballs). Also returning as starters are: junior defender Brittany White (24 groundballs), sophomore midfielder Rachel Baker (25 groundballs, 14 caused turnovers) and senior midfielder Elizabeth Iacullo (23 groundballs).
Sophomore goalie Megan Corliss (Archbishop Carroll) played in nine games last year as a backup and will see plenty of time behind Schnellenbach. Sophomore defender Melissa DiTomo (Archbishop Carroll) also returns. Freshmen include attack players Amanda Salata (Archbishop Carroll), Lauren McDermott (North Penn) and Ryan Yankowich (Archbishop Carroll) and midfielders Jackie Roebuck (Marple Newtown), Melanie Sarcinello (Marple Newtown), Jackie Donato (Bishop Shanahan) and Audrey Metzger-Bailey.
Navy (1-0) is coached by former Maryland coach and Haverford High grad Cindy Timnchal.
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