Offseason play should aid South's chances
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

There are no slackers on this year's Williamsville South girls lacrosse team.

Approximately two-thirds of the roster has competed in a winter indoor league at the Epic Center, which third-year coach Jessica Gunning feels can only help her team's chances.

'We have a lot of girls who are full of heart," said Gunning. "In the past, it didn't seem like some of the girls cared about winning as much but these girls want to improve. By playing in the indoor league, it really improves us as a team. It's really the difference between many of the successful programs in the area."

Nobody on the South team exemplifies the passion for lacrosse more than senior tri-captains Caitlin Kelly (first home), Katie Kruez (second home/attack) and Colleen Kielich (home/attack). Each are three-year players and have started for South since they were sophomores.

"Having worked with them for three years, they've definitely developed into good players," said Gunning. "They know what is expected of them."

Other starters penciled in are seniors Grace Dadebo (center midfield), Gina Rutecki (midfield, could play home), Nicole DeSimone (defensive wing), Claire Licata (leads the defense), Marissa Hill (good stay-at-home defender), junior Ash- ley Ferenczy (midfield/attack) and sophomore Krista Pomeroy (goalie).

Dadebo led South with 11 goals last year. Gunning said Dadebo will be taking a lot of draws, is extremely fast and has good stick skills. Dadebo is a returning ECIC III honorable mention all-star.

Ferenczy, also a returning division honorable mention all-star, was third on the team with eight goals.

Pomeroy had a save percentage around 70 last year but Gunning said it has "gone up a ton" in the Epic Center league.

"She's gone to a bunch of camps for goalies and has really gotten better," said Gunning. "Her clears are much better as has her stick and hand work. She really has been doing a phenomenal job."

Other players to watch out for are junior JV call-ups, Sarah Grant (defense) and Brittany Zoworak (midfield/attack).

South won two games last year and lost to Iroquois in the Section VI Class B prequarterfinals. Gunning said improving the team record overall and faring well against Williamsville East are some of the team goals.

South opened its season at Eden on Tuesday but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press. The Lady Billies host Amherst at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
South 2008 Schedule
4-21 at East .................. 4:30 p.m.
4-23 Springville ............ 4:30 p.m.
4-24 Sweet Home ........ 4:30 p.m.
4-25 East Aurora.......... 4:45 p.m.
4-29 at Iroquois............ 4:45 p.m.
5-3 Eden........................... 10 a.m.
5-5 North....................... 4:30 p.m.
5-6 at Amherst ............. 4:30 p.m.
5-8 East ......................... 4:30 p.m.
5-10 at Springville........... 10 a.m.
5-12 at Lockport ............... 5 p.m.
5-13 at East Aurora.......... 4 p.m.
5-15 Iroquois ................ 4:30 p.m.