Returning East girls lax coach committed to success
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Returning Williamsville East coach Jennifer Librock wants some stability brought back to the girls lacrosse program she started in 1993.

"It's great to be back," said Librock, who coached the East varsity team in 1993, 1994 and 2003. "I was disappointed with how much turnover there had been (in the coaching staff) over the years. It's not good for any program."

Librock, returning varsity coach Erin Coyne, along with JV coach Natalia Brenton and modified coach Mai Nyguen have worked well together this season. Librock said the varsity team has already been working with the modified team.

"Our philosophy is we're not separate teams. We're a program," said Librock.

While Librock said it's too early to tell where team strengths lie, she's hoping to have a well-rounded varsity team with depth in a lot of different areas.

Leading the team on the field will be co-captains Sarah and Ellen DiPofias well as Aleece Burgio, Emily Dehlinger, and Courtney Vitello. Every girl except junior Sarah DiPofiis a senior.

Sarah DiPofi(13 goals, 12 assists) returns in the midfield while Ellen DiPofishould play as a defensive wing or third man. Burgio (six goals, four assists) leads the defense. Dehlinger (16 goals, 16 assists) will see time in the midfield and at attack wing. Vitello, a returning ECIC Division III first-team all-star, will start in net with junior Ashley Sliz expected to get some playing time.

Sarah DiPofiand Burgio are returning ECIC III second teamers. Dehlinger is an honorable mention.

Also back is senior attacker and returning ECIC III second-team all-star Brittni Hargis (33 goals, 19 assists).

"I have a bunch of great leaders on the field," said Librock. "If somebody gets down, someone else picks them up. (Last week) in practice we were dropping a lot of passes. We were off. Without the coaching staff's initiation, the DiPofis and Burgio pulled the group together and said 'we need to focus. We're better than this.' You don't find that kind of stuff very often."

Sophomore JV call-ups Shayna and Rayna Durden and Haley Schilling, freshman modified call-up Courtney Haas and junior Claire Foglia, should see time at attack.

Seniors Erika Flaschner (five goals, four assists last year) and Jennifer Berger, juniors Lauren LaPoint, Alina Swierski (four goals, four assists), Kelly Spiotta, and Jessica Taylor and sophomore Morgan Marzo will see time at defense.

Freshman modified call-up Chelsea Greenway could play at defense but her status for this season is up the air after breaking one of her wrists.

Sophomore Nell Meosky will probably play in the midfield. Senior exchange student Natia Chikobava could play an attack or defensive position.

Librock sees improvement every day from her team.

"I see us continuing to grow and develop throughout the season," said Librock. "I see us becoming stronger if we continue with the work ethic that we have."

East opened its season with a 16-7 loss on Monday at East Aurora. The Lady Flames hosted Springville on Tuesday but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press.
East 2008 Schedule
4-21 South..................... 4:30 p.m.
4-24 at Springville........ 4:30 p.m.
4-25 Eden...................... 4:30 p.m.
4-28 at North ................ 4:30 p.m.
4-29 at Amherst ................ 7 p.m.
5-1 Iroquois................... 4:30 p.m.
5-3 Grand Island ............... 2 p.m.
5-6 East Aurora............ 4:30 p.m.
5-7 at W.S. East............ 4:45 p.m.
5-8 at South .................. 4:30 p.m.
5-13 at Eden ...................... 5 p.m.
5-15 Amherst ................ 4:30 p.m.
5-17 at Iroquois............... 10 a.m.