Sacred Heart lacrosse aims for higher goals
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The Sacred Heart girls lacrosse team made a ton of strides in 2007.

The Sharks won three games (the team had only won twice since the program started in 2004) and played teams tough in most losses. Sacred Heart also won its first Monsignor Martin Association playoff game, defeating Buffalo Seminary, 13-9.

This spring, the Sharks have loftier goals.

"Our goal is to be one of the top two schools or win it (MMA title)," said second year coach Emily Canty. "I think it's more open than it's been. Mt. St. Mary's is probably the team to beat, but we have a real shot this year."

Canty believes her team has the ability to achieve the goal, starting with good team defense, led by juniors Susan O'Rourke and Alex Femia and senior Sam Arena. All are returning players. O'Rourke is the last defenseman teams have to get past before they face the goalie, said Canty. Femia and Arena are defensive wings.

"Sue is the varsity soccer goalie for Sacred Heart and has a good eye for the field and knows where to place herself," said Canty. "Sam and Alex are very fast players with good ball control. They transition the ball well and can stay back on defense or cross over to offense."

The defense backs a new freshman goalie, Kelsey Taylor or Angelica Tan.

The offense should be just as good as last year's. Coach Canty's younger sister, Mary, leads the scoring in the midfield. Mary Canty was second in the MMA with 29 goals and is a returning MMA first-team selection.

"She is aggressive and has good stick skills," said coach Canty.

Others in the midfield include senior and freshman attack wings Monique Mattes and Madeline Bartels, respectively. Mattes is a tri-captain with Arena and home Liz Briody.

"Mo is a great team leader," said coach Canty. "She was a captain last year as well. She brings leadership and respect to the team."

Coach Canty compares Bartels' aggressive play and stick skills to Mary Canty.

Senior Natalie Wasilewski and sophomore Emily Gillig will contribute at home.

The team also has six freshmen and two sophomores new to the team who coach Canty said all know the basics of the sport from playing for school districts that had girls lacrosse.

Sacred Heart opened its season at Buffalo Seminary on Tuesday, but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press.
Sacred Heart 2008 Schedule
4-10 at Mt. Mercy (Cazenovia Park) 4 p.m.
4-24 Nardin ....................................... 4 p.m.
4-29 at Mt. St. Mary's (Philip Sheridan) 4 p.m.
5-1 Buffalo Seminary ...................... 4 p.m.
5-5 Mt. St. Mary's............................. 4 p.m.
5-8 Mt. Mercy ................................... 4 p.m.
5-13 at Nardin .................................. 4 p.m.
* All home games are at UB's Rotary Field.