Simmons Lacrosse, the ninth varsity sport to be added to the Sharks roster, wrapped up its inaugural season in April under first year Head Coach Kate Leonard. The team finished the season with a 2-4 Great Northeast Athletic Conference record, and a 3-8 overall record.

Leonard has high hopes for the 2010 lacrosse season. The Sharks are young group that came together quickly to take on the GNAC conference this spring, and given more time to grow and train together, the team has vast potential for future seasons.

Freshman Lee Sutherland (Tuftonboro, N.H.), a GNAC All-Conference Second Team pick, and freshman Meaghan Maurice (Portland, Maine) became the backbone of Simmons' scoring midfield. Senior captain Heather Lowe (Woolwich, Maine), a GNAC All-Sportsmanship Team selection, senior Freya Damrell (Georgetown, Maine), and freshman Marissa Games (Newburyport, Mass.), also a GNAC Second Team selection, played both ends of the field with a defensive mindset, coming up with many turnovers and groundballs.

Junior goalkeeper Amanda Weaver (Eaton, Ohio) earned two GNAC Goalkeeper of the Week accolades for her efforts in goal, and sophomore Kayla Tirrell (Lincoln, R.I.), a GNAC Second Team pick, was steady and strong as a defender.

Sophomore Natalie Stever (Chagrin Falls, Ohio), another GNAC Second Team pick, used her strong attacking skills to become the leading point scorer for the Sharks this season. Junior Emily Sypher (Orono, Maine) was a smart offensive spark that Leonard will look to in the future.

Simmons' large freshman group gave leadership opportunities to many younger players. "Because our younger athletes played more recently, they were forced to be teachers and leaders on the field, even if their age didn't dictate that," said Leonard. "I am grateful we had such a strong freshman class both in skill and mindset, and I am very thankful we will have them for three more seasons."

Captains Lowe and Natalie West (East Bridgewater, Mass.) helped guide their younger teammates on and off the field. "Heather Lowe is the best role model. She works hard every minute of every practice and game, she listens well and communicates in a positive, firm manner, and she is not afraid to try new things to better herself and the team," said Leonard. "The younger athletes want to have the hustle and great attitude Heather does because they see what a great player and person she is because of it."

"Natalie was a fun, energetic, aggressive personality on the team," said Leonard. "Because Natalie was new to the sport, a lot of girls looked up to her for her willingness to try new things and her openness with questions and confusion. It is great to have a captain who can relate to the new or younger players."

In 2010, Simmons Lacrosse will look to continue the squad's improvement, and continue to boost their level of play. The Sharks will work to build more trust and communication to pick up their transition and passing game. Leonard noted the importance of a stronger, more settled offense, which will come with more practice and effort.

"I am very proud of the way this season turned out," said Leonard. "Starting a team from scratch is not easy—there is no way to predict how the season would unfold. To be battling for a playoff spot is not something I expected of us, and it really is a testament to the hard work and dedication these athletes put forth all season. We have a very strong core of returning athletes, and I look forward to starting next spring right where we left off this year."