Wentworth Women's Lacrosse Team Set to Grow in 2011-12

Having just completed its inaugural season the Wentworth women’s lacrosse team looks forward to the spring of 2012 as it prepares to join the catalog of existing athletic varsity programs at Wentworth. Established in fall of 2010 the team will continue to compete at the club level for the upcoming season (2011-12), with hopes of becoming Wentworth’s 16^th varsity sport in time for the 2012-13 season.

The coaching staff is excited about the transition and during the upcoming year the program will look to recruit and compete against teams from various New England conferences to help prepare them for the transition into varsity competition.

“Dedication is the key to making this program successful,” said Wentworth Head Coach Jess Blair, who was the head coach at Pine Manor before arriving at Wentworth. “It all comes down to how committed and devoted each player wants to be. It can’t just be one person; it has to be the whole team – that is what we have been trying to teach them.”

Since assuming the head coaching position last fall head coach Blair, a former captain at Commonwealth Coast Conference power Endicott, has been working to prepare the team to face various competitive situations. Despite a low number of experienced female lacrosse players at Wentworth, Blair has assembled a dynamic and athletic group of student-athletes who are enthusiastic about starting a new era and making history.

“Every day we learn as a whole about what it’s going to take to make this program prosperous. Patience really is a virtue for us.” said Blair.

The Leopards continue to build their knowledge and experience as the program begins to recruit. Juniors Lisa Piccirillo and Lee Sexton and seniors Sam Partington and Eliane Brogle make up the strong midfield unit, while freshman Jessica Houghton will jump into the role as center. Decia Splaine, a sophomore, delivered great defensive awareness during the spring 2011 season and will become a vital component of the defense. Junior Ali Daluz, alongside Splaine, will help guide newcomer Alex Banks in the defense end. Moving from the position of center, junior Courtney Whitaker will work alongside classmates Meg Ferro, Liv Gardner, and El Maas on attack. Who will start between the pipes hasn’t been decided yet, but the Leopards are confident they will have no problem filling the position.

“Each member has a unique role on the team and brings forth something valuable towards are future success,” added Blair. “I have some players that are very skillful and tactful as well as some who see the field really well and make great cuts. Some team members are motivators, while others are leaders. I’m really excited about our freshmen – many of whom will be playing dual sports at Wentworth. I feel that it is beneficial to have multi-sport athletes on a team as they can bring a different approach to the game.”

With a year of experience under their belt the Wentworth women’s lacrosse team has much to look forward to in the years to come. The team’s bold spirit and strong desire to make history are key aspects to making this team stand out amongst their competitors.

“Vince Lombardi once said, ‘The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual,’” said Blair. “Without one another we wouldn’t be here doing what we’re doing. We rise together, we fall together. This is what Wentworth women’s lacrosse is about.”

Upon making the transition to varsity status, the Leopards will become the Commonwealth Coast Conference’s ninth women’s lacrosse program and will compete against the University of New England, Nichols, Salve Regina, Endicott, Gordon, Roger Williams, Curry, and Western New England.