Chestnut Hill College women gear for 2011 as former assistant Lee takes over

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/23/11
From Press Releases

The Chestnut Hill College women’s lacrosse program truly enters a new era in 2011 as former assistant, Katie Lee, takes the reins after the graduation of the high-scoring Glass sisters and defensive mainstay Kera Cathel.

“This year’s team is very young, but their determination and desire to be their best every time they pick up a stick is a coach’s dream,” Lee said. “Our camaraderie is outstanding; every player strives to succeed individually and as a team.”

Chestnut Hill College finished 6-11 overall and 4-8 in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) last year.

Leading the offense will be senior captain Jillian Sanger. A steady and diverse athlete, Sanger collected 13 goals, five assists, 31 ground balls, 21 caused turnovers, and 20 draw controls. Lee will look to a trio of attackers to replace the offensive production of Carley and Maryanne Glass.

Combined, junior Kelly McKay (Penrnidge) and sophomores Nicole Covella and Christina Squillante provided 32 points a year ago.

“Covella is a great team player who has the talent to be effective anywhere on the field,” Lee said. “She has a fierce shot and a quick first step. Squillante has incredible stick skills and confidence; with a full season to perform she should make an impact as well.”

Covella will serve as a co-captain this year after showing her offensive potential as a freshman; 16 goals. McKay contributed ten points last season (7 goals, three assists) while Squillante recorded five goals despite only playing in eight games. Freshman Kelly Campbell (Hatboro-Horsham) is the new additions to the unit; a coachable athlete who has shown the drive to improve every day.

In the midfield Sanger will be supported by the Griffins deepest unit, which includes junior Michelle Wiater (Pennridge) and a host of sophomores; Erica Eaby (Lancaster, PA), Brianne Timony, Bobbie Chukuntarod, and Lindsay Alexander (Lower Moreland).

Eaby was a defensive leader as a freshman; she will co-captain this season while converting to the midfield. The Griffins only midfield addition is freshman Courtney Annis, who was a member of the women’s soccer team this fall.

The defense returns three players from last season; junior Megan Nadler, sophomore Nicole Ehrhardt and sophomore Megan Shaughnessy. Ehrhardt started 13 games as a freshman, making her the Griffins most experienced defender.

She will be the vocal leader for a unit that welcomes five newcomers; Kelsey Moran, KarlaAne Klouda, Gina Davidson (cardinal Dougherty), Kaycee Flore (Philadelphia), and goalkeeper Jessica Pennell.

“We have a wide range of experience on the roster and we will go as far as our hard work and perseverance allows us, with everyone striving for the same goal we will be successful,” Lee said.