EDINBORO, Pa. (March 7, 2013) – Will this be the most successful season yet for the Edinboro women's lacrosse team?  Head coach Kevin Cooke hopes the answer to that question is “yes” as his Fighting Scots begin their fifth year of existence.  Cooke's squad opens the 2013 campaign on Saturday, March 10 at Roberts Wesleyan at 4:30 p.m.  

The Redhawks already own advantage over the Fighting Scots, showing a 2-1 record.  A year ago Edinboro defeated Roberts Wesleyan, 15-6.

Edinboro comes off a 7-10 finish in 2012, the most wins in the short four-year history of the program.  Over that period the Fighting Scots have made steady progress.  Ten players return from that squad, including three of the top four scorers.  Leading the way is Shannon Rohrich, who scored a school-record 41 goals, adding four assists for 45 points.  Katie Magee added 18 goals and 12 assists for 30 points, while Shelby Will totaled 18 goals and six assists for 24 points.

The attack welcomes the return of speedy senior Rebecca Zajac, who missed the last seven contests of the season with a knee injury.  She had 14 goals and six assists before going down.

“Having seen the talent level of the squad in the fall, this is the most talented team in Edinboro's short history,” related Cooke.  “We return all but one of our leading scorers from last season. With the return of seniors Shannon Rohrich and Rebecca Zajac in the midfield, it should solidify our transition game.  The depth continues with junior Jennifer Wirth and freshmen Anna Purdy and Hannah Mong, who both have shown that they are beyond their years in a short amount of time.”
 
Cooke likes the senior leadership at attack provided by seniors Shelby Will and Katie Magee. “They've been able to mold the younger players from the four years they have been learning the system,” stressed Cooke.  “Alex DeReamer, having come off injuries last season, is in great shape and is ready for a solid junior season.  Becca Martin. Another freshman, comes from a very good Oswego(NY) High School program that has prepared her to compete at this level. The game, which is normally very fast, seems to be slowing down for her and we'll work her into the offense.”
 
Defense is the area that really excites Cooke.  Lindsey Evans joins with Stephanie Niell to provide the necessary senior leadership.  Evans became Edinboro first-ever postseason honoree last year as she was selected to the All-PSAC second team.
 
“We are solid!,” exclaimed Cooke.  “The addition of Courtney Hey from the offensive end is paying dividends for us.  She is smart, and having played attack for a good part of her life she understands what the attack is trying to accomplish.  
 
“Alayna Davis and Molly Campion are both coming off past injuries and look very good from the fall and offer our defense much-needed depth,” he continued.  “The anchors at defense are seniors Niell and Evans.  Both understand the game very well and will allow our team to do different things throughout the game.  
 
Teresa Fiori played every minute of every game a year ago in goal, leaving a huge gap between the pipes.  Enter freshman Autumn Held, a very pleasant surprise, according to Cooke.
 
Autumn has been a very welcomed surprise in goal, “he noted.  “She had a very solid fall season and has improved her game since then.  She has quick hands and is fearless in cage.  If our defense can accomplish the goal and continue to have teams shoot from further out, Autumn will have little trouble.” 
 
Following the contest at Roberts Wesleyan, the Fighting Scots will head south for xx matches over spring break.  They play at West Virginia Wesleyan on Mach 15, at Alderson-Broaddus the next day, then play Catawba on March 22 and at Lees McRae on March 23.  The home opener is set for Saturday, March 30 against Indiana(Pa.).