Wellesley Sports Information
Julie Triba, Sports Info Assistant
2008 Wellesley Lacrosse Season Preview
After a 2007 season in which they posted their highest win total in six years, placed five players on the All-Conference squad, four on the All-Region squad, and finished second in both Seven Sisters and NEWMAC competition, Wellesley Lacrosse has their sights set on a conference championship in 2008.
Head coach Julia McPhee leads a young team (16 of the 20 players are first-years or sophomores) for which team chemistry figures to be a major factor. “We have a great team dynamic, which I believe will contribute to our success on the field,” says McPhee. “I am very pleased with how much our younger players have stepped up, as well as the leadership we are getting from our captain, Amber Evans.”
The Blue attack is led by Colette Whitaker ’10, coming off a tremendous rookie season in which she totaled 57 goals on a team-leading .613 shooting percentage. She was an All-Conference Second Team selection last year and will command the ball in transition and the settled scoring 
offense. Catherine Schaefer ’09 is a crucial playmaker and solid contributor on attack with what McPhee touts as “great vision.” First-year Briana Roberge brings great speed to the attack and will be relied on as a playmaker and scorer.
Haley Geller ’10 scored a team-high 58 goals in 2007 and will anchor the Wellesley midfield along with captain Amber Evans ‘08 and Loretta White ’10. Geller, who will take the draw for the Blue, will create fast break opportunities with her speed and be relied on for aggressive defense. Evans is an experienced midfield leader and a threat at both ends of the field who scored 22 goals last season. White moves to the midfield this year from the low defense, and will contribute scoring chances as well as her consistently excellent defensive play. Newcomers Kate Cushing and Liz Hays ’11 bring solid skills and hard work to the field and McPhee expects them to have an immediate impact.
Dee Garrahan ’09 “is rock solid on defense and intimidates attackers with her strong physical presence,” says McPhee. “It’s hard to get the ball when she is marking you.” Garrahan and Katie Bourque ’10, a defensive standout in both individual and double-team situations, will lead the Blue defense ahead of third-year starting goalkeeper Kristin Jaronczyk ’09. “Kristin can be the difference-maker this season,” says McPhee, citing her top-notch technique and improved clears which will increase fast break chances. Jaronczyk played in every game last season and
compiled a .534 save percentage.
The Blue will challenge hometown rival and defending conference champion Babson for the NEWMAC title, which Wellesleylast won in 2001, while paying close attention to Springfield and Wheaton in conference play. The team aims to compete outside the conference as well, especially in their three games against NESCAC programs (Tufts, Bowdoin, Trinity), with the goal of breaking into the top 20 in the national rankings. McPhee is confident that the team’s tremendous skill level and dynamic makeup of youth and leadership have the potential to propel the Blue to the top of the conference in 2008.