POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (March 8, 2013) - The Vassar College women's lacrosse team opens its 2013 season against Fitchburg State College at the Spring Fling in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 12 at 6:00 pm. On March 15, Vassar plays its second game of the tournament against Ohio Wesleyan University at 11:00 am.

With 19 returning players, the Brewers' strength lies in its depth. The returners, including ten talented sophomores, have the experience to step up this season and have a big impact. According to coach Judy Finerghty, the four new freshmen this season are integrating well into the system guided by the strong leadership of both the junior and senior classes.

“There is already a fair amount of chemistry between some of our younger players and the older ones,” notes Finerghty.

Last year, the Brewers were 5-10 overall and 2-6 in the Liberty League. They graduated six seniors including defenders Elizabeth Feltch and Elise Heffernan who both finished the season with 27 groundballs and were named All-Liberty League Honorable Mention.

The Brewers led opponents in shot percentage, scoring 164 goals out of their 336 shot attempts, a 48.8% average while opposing teams only scored 45.9% of the time.

Vassar returns sophomore attacker Dara Davis, the team's leading scorer last season with 34 goals and 44 points. In addition, senior midfielder, last season's second leading scoring and draw specialist Marissa Reilly (21 goals, 3 assists) returns this season to co-captain the squad along with senior defender Lindsay Haggerty (11 groundballs) and junior midfielder Phoebe Tzannes, who had a team high 40 groundballs. Both Davis and Tzannes received All-Liberty League Honorable Mention last season.

While a majority of last year's goals were scored off of drives, Finerghty says that this year's focus has been on becoming more ”versatile on offense and having a more dynamic scoring unit”. She also points to the entire team's speed and athleticism that has allowed “everybody to commit to playing great team defense all over the field”.

The incumbent goalie is sophomore Katharine Pula, who started in 11 games and played in 14 out of 15 games as a freshman. She compiled a 4-8 record, made 98 saves, and had a save percentage of .424.

In the Liberty League women's lacrosse coaches poll, Vassar College received a preseason ranking of seventh. The Brewer's remain optimistic and look to improve their record and achieve long awaited recognition in the league.

“We are obviously trying to get to the league playoffs, that's a goal every year,” says Finerghty.

The Brewers will open their home schedule on Tuesday March 19 at 5:00 pm against Mount St. Mary College.