By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/17/10

Conestoga junior defender Emily Pillion has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at James Madison University.

Conestoga junior Emily Pillion has committed to James Madison

Pillion helped the Pioneer reach the quarterfinals of the District 1 tournament last year and place fourth in the rugged Central League. She played for Philly 1 in the National tournament in May and plays for the Phantastix club team.

Pillion, who is undecided on a major, was pleased to commit to a team that went 17-3 last year and won the Colonial Athletic Conference championship under coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe, while also reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.

“James Madison was an overall perfect fit,” said Pillion, an Honor Roll student. “I like the size and it’s just what I was looking for in a lacrosse program. The coaches and players were so welcoming.

“The campus at Harrisonburg is beautiful. I like that the football stadium is right in the middle of the campus. It’s so convenient.”

Pillion, who also considered Loyola and Lehigh, will play this weekend in the Philly Showcase. Next year she has high hopes for the Pioneers, who should challenge for a Central League title.

Three Pioneers seniors also have committed to Division I colleges: midfielder Allison Henry, (William & Mary), midfielder Taylor King (Monmouth) and midfielder Brooke McGillis (New Hampshire).

“The Central League is up for grabs,” she said. “We have such a strong group of girls returning and we want to win the Central League and advance to the state playoffs.”

Tags: Conestoga