POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (March 2, 2017) — The Vassar College women's lacrosse team opens 2017 in hopes of improving upon an eighth place finish in the Liberty League last season.  This marked the first time Vassar had missed the playoffs since 2012.  The Brewers finished last season 6-9 overall and 2-7 in conference play, and look to regain the championship pedigree they had the three years prior. Head Coach Judy Finerghty is in her 23^rd season with the Brewers and is assisted by Mark Feltch.   

"The team has been working hard," Finerghty said. "We have a lot of energy. They're ready to go. They're ready to play, so we're looking forward to it."

The Schedule

The Brewers will host seven of their 15 games on Weinberg Field in Poughkeepsie, NY this season, playing the other eight on the road. Last season, Vassar chalked up two wins at home, three on the road and one at a neutral site.

The Brewers open the season with four straight road games, starting with Drew University on March 3 before traveling to Bradenton, FL over spring break to play three games against Stevenson University (March 12), the University of New England (March 14) and Fitchburg State University (March 16). The Brewers then wrap up their non-conference schedule with two home matches against Connecticut College (March 22) and Fairleigh Dickinson University- Florham Campus (March 24), before kicking off their conference slate against Union College at home on March 31.

Vassar's Liberty League schedule is a favorable one, as the team will play five of the nine games on its home turf.  Of those five home games, three of them come against teams that reached the 2016 Liberty League playoffs, including the eventual champion, William Smith (April 1).  The Brewers also finish all of their non-conference action by March 24, ensuring the team will be fresh for their Liberty League weekend competition.

The Squad

Vassar adds six freshmen this year after graduating seniors Paige Abramowitz, Isabelle Goldstein and Kim Mulvehill last year.

This year, seniors Brittany Botticelli and Julia Trudell captain the Brewers.

"We're really excited about the season," Botticelli said. "We're a really young team this year. We graduated three, but we brought in six super talented, super fast freshmen, and I think they're all going to add. With that being said, we do have a very big sophomore class as well… We have great veterans coming back… I'm really confident about this team on both ends."

Attack – The Brewers will have to replace the offensive firepower of Goldstein, who led the team last year in points (63) and graduated as the career leader in assists (108) and second all-time in points (234), as well as Mulvehill who totaled 30 points last season (20 goals, 10 assists). Vassar returns Trudell, who totaled 43 points (29 goals, 14 assists) and junior Storm Sideleau who led the team in goals (37 goals, 41 points) alongside Goldstein last year. Phoebe Hankins (5 goals, 17 assists) will also look to make her mark this year.  Vassar's lineup this year features nine attacks, including freshmen Adele MacEwan and Kelly Pushie who will look to make an impact in their debut seasons.

"Our attack is pretty solid all around," Trudell said. "We used be primarily a cutting team. We have dodgers now that can dodge from all parts of the field.  I think that's going to give us a new dynamic that will catch our competitors off-guard."

Midfield – Vassar returns a very strong and experienced midfield presence as senior Sydney Spadinger, juniors Olivia O'Loughlin and Hannah Cho, and sophomore Fiona MacLeod all started at least nine games last year.  These four players contributed a total of 16 goals, nine assists, 43 forced turnovers, and 75 groundballs.  As the most experienced unit on the Brewer squad, the midfield will be expected to be a supporting presence on both attack and defense.  With the need for five starting middies there is an opening for returning sophomore Claire DiLeo and freshmen Tessa Waters and Grace Goodwin-Boyd to fill.

Defense – With the departure of Abromowitz, Botticelli and senior Darby Stahl will lead the defensive unit for the Brewers.  The two veterans combined to start 26 of the 27 contests they competed in in the 2016 season.  Junior Ashley LaMere was another consistent presence on the backline, starting 12 games and forcing eight turnovers. The supporting cast will consist of returning sophomores Sara Mathes and Cheris Congo, who were impressive in limited action in 2016.  The arrival of freshmen Tillie Newcomb and Sydney Nemphos helps bolster an already strong and deep defensive group for the Brewers. 

Goalie – Vassar brings back its two goalies from last season, as sophomore Kristin Caolo and junior Emily Chancey look to build momentum off of a productive 2016 season. Caolo started 13 games for the Brewers, tallying 99 saves.  Chancey started twice and finished with a 2-0 record while recording 25 saves. 

"Our goalies are doing a great job in the net," Finerghty said. "They've been working really hard. They've both improved their quickness, and we're really happy with what they're doing and how they're running the defense. I'm expecting a lot from our keepers as well."

The Strategy
Finerghty has emphasized an up-tempo style of play in order to exploit the high level of speed and athleticism on her team.

"Our style of play is going to be more up-tempo, probably moreso than last year," Finerghty said. "The things that we have to do looking ahead is prepare for the shot clock, which will come into play in 2018. I think you'll see a higher tempo from us through the offense and also through the midfield.

The Start

Vassar opens 2017 against Drew in Madison, NJ on Friday, March 3 at 4:30 p.m.  The Brewers are 1-0 all-time against the Rangers, defeating them 14-13 in March of 2010.  Last season, the team opened with an impressive 15-5 victory over New Paltz on Weinberg Field. Trudell led the offense with four goals and an assist, while Rivoir and Sideleau tacked on three and two more goals, respectively. Chancey started the game in net and picked up the win. 

"Team goals are definitely to win the Liberty League Championship, but also to go to the NCAA Tournament and maybe win a game in there," Botticelli said. "I'm confident with the team that we have this year that we could do big things."