Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/4/15
From Press Release
Head Coach Eileen Ghent has announced seniors Nicole Duca (Doylestown, Pa./ Archbishop Wood), Taryn Schweizer (Newark, Del./ St. Mark’s), and Michelle Gonzales (Marlton, N.J./ Cherokee) as the 2015 women’s lacrosse captains.
“Michelle, Nicole and Taryn exemplify what Monmouth Lacrosse is all about,” said Ghent. “Each of them are tremendous students who brings their success from the classroom onto the lacrosse field. Our senior class as a whole has served as excellent leaders so far and has set the bar very high in terms of accountability and expectations. I am confident that these three captains and the senior class will lead us to reach new heights as a program.”
Duca, a defensive returner from Doylestown, Pa. appeared in all 18 games last season on defense, tabbing eight caused turnovers and 26 ground balls. Duca played in 13 games over her first two seasons, making her first appearance against Delaware. As a health studies major and psychology minor, she is a Dean’s List and MAAC All-Academic Team honoree.
“Nicole’s leadership shines through her work ethic,” said Ghent. “She is a student of the game and is always thinking of new ideas and strategies to improve our team. Nicole has filled multiple roles within our defense because of her versatility and willingness to do whatever is necessary to help the team.”
Gonzales, a product of Marlton, N.J. appeared in all 18 games on attack. A 2015 MAAC All-Tournament Team selection, she finished second in assists (17) and fifth in goals (16) and overall points (33). She appeared in 16 games, starting 12 her sophomore season and has suited up in 42 career games for the Blue & White. She is a two-time MAAC All-Academic honoree in 2014 and 2015, majoring in communication and minoring in Spanish.
“Michelle has positively impacted the Monmouth Lacrosse program from the first day she stepped on campus because of her self-accountability, fearlessness, and resiliency,” said Ghent. “She is a selfless, reliable attacker who constantly puts the team before herself. As a leader, many of our younger players look up to Michelle because of her approachable personality and team first mentality.”
Newark, Del. native Schweizer appeared in all 18 games on defense for the Hawks, finishing with five ground balls and four caused turnovers. In her first season at Monmouth she appeared in 16 games, starting eight while contributing 10 ground balls and six caused turnovers in 2014. Schweizer began her career at High Point University, where she appeared in five games as a freshman. A health studies and psychology, she was a member of the 2015 MAAC All-Academic Team.
“Even as a transfer, Taryn has made a permanent impact on our program,” said Ghent. “Taryn is a natural coach and is always thinking of ways for us to improve in order to get to the next level. Taryn treats every practice like it is game day by pushing herself and her teammates to get better every single day.”
The trio of seniors were selected by their teammates and coaching staff this fall. The Hawks finished the 2015 campaign with a 12-6 record and the third seed in the 2015 MAAC Tournament.
The Blue and White open the 2016 campaign season against Towson University February 10th at Johnny Unitas Stadium in Towson, Md.
