ULEHLA PROJECTS 2006 WOMEN'S LACROSSE SEASON

PHILADELPHIA-After returning the Temple women's lacrosse team to a nationally ranked Top 20 program in her first season on North Broad Street, Head Coach Jenny Ulehla is looking to continue and build on her successes achieved last year.

            "We're looking to take the next step this year," Ulehla commented.  "We learned a lot last season and got some big wins over some big teams but we fell short of our goal of winning the A-10 title.  This season we're hoping to have more consistency in our play throughout the season, working hard against both our conference and non-conference opponents."

            The Owls return 10 starters from a squad that captured a share of its seventh straight Atlantic 10 title and earned a Top 20 ranking for the first time since the 2002 season.  Temple was ranked as high as #16 thanks to big wins over then #2 Penn State and perennial powerhouse Old Dominion.  Ironically, the team was picked to finish fourth in the Conference last season.   This season, however, it seems that the Owls have made believers out of their former critics.  Temple is picked to finish first in the Atlantic 10 and begins the 2006 season ranked #20 by Inside Lacrosse Magazine.  Ulehla and her staff believe that their team has the necessary skills to live up to all the hype.

            "We're working better as a unit this year after implementing new strategies last season," Ulehla said.  "Though we struggled some last year, we have elevated our understanding of the game and of both our offensive and defensive systems.  Going into the spring we are much more confident in our abilities, our conditioning and our team unity."

            The Owls will once again be tested early with games against top-ranked teams such as North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, Penn State, Princeton and Rutgers before beginning conference play on April 7 at 2005 A-10 champion Richmond. 

            Goalies

            After losing starter Megan McLouth to graduation, Ulehla will look to Caitlin Gregory and Bridget McMullan to showcase their skills in the Temple cage.  Both are hard workers who bring great enthusiasm and skill level to the position.  Though they saw limited time last season, Ulehla is confident that either one would make an excellent replacement for McLouth.   

            Defense

            Junior captain Jessica Chadwin will continue to be a major part of the Owl defense.  The anchor of the low defense, Chadwin serves as a great communicator between the defense, the goalie and the midfield. Sophomore Hillary Richards was repeatedly assigned to opponents' best attacker last season and should continue to be a strong mark-up defender again this season.  Richards started in 16 of 17 games last year and led the squad in draw controls.  She also dished three assists.  Senior Nicole Cataldo will make the move from the low defender position to more of a defensive midfield this season.  According to Uhlela, Cataldo's speed will make her a significant threat all over the field.  The 2006 captain led the team in groundballs last season with 39.  Sophomore Lindsay Wells returns as Temple's leader in caused turnovers (18).  Ulehla hopes that her experience last season will help her to continue to be a strong low defender this season.

            Lindsey McMullen and Dawn Yergey round out Temple's arsenal of skilled defenders.  Though McMullen didn't see a lot of action last season, Uhlela feels that her positive attitude and work ethic will allow her to become a significant part of the defensive rotation this season.  With one season of field play under her belt after making the switch from the goalie position, Ulehla is expecting Yergey to be more effective this season.

            Freshmen Lauren Carey and Stephanie McGinley will bring depth to the defensive unit.  They both come to Temple with great backgrounds and accolades and should see considerable playing time. 

            Midfield

            The Temple midfield boasts perhaps the most experienced and threatening group of players on the roster.  Allison Frengs, Casey Cech, Whitney Richards, Berkley Summerlin, Katie Yori and Brittany Piotti possess both a defensive presence and an attacking mentality that Uhlela hopes will be useful in creating more effective fast break opportunities.  

            Frengs was voted the 2005 A-10 Offensive Player of the Year and returns as Temple's scoring leader.  An IWLCA/US Lacrosse Regional All-American, Frengs netted 46 goals and dished seven assists for 56 points.

            "Allie is a true competitor," Said Ulehla.  "She has worked a lot on her defense in the fall and I am confident that she will be an impact player all over the field."

            Cech was voted to the 2005 A-10 All-Championship Team after scoring two goals against Richmond in the semifinals.  Uhlela also expects Cech to be more of an all-around midfielder after working hard to improve her defensive skills.  Summerlin returns as one of the top players from last season, after finishing among the squad leaders in scoring, caused turnovers, draw controls and groundballs.  Richards led Temple with 16 assists last season and was selected to the A-10 All-Championship Team after dishing three assists in Temple's game against Richmond.  Uhlela hopes that with the addition of Yori and Piotti's speed and quickness, the Owl midfield will gain another dimension. 

            Attack

            Captain Patty Glavin will once again lead the Temple attack.  Voted First Team All-Atlantic 10 and IWLCA/US Lacrosse Regional All-American, Glavin is a player that can intimidate opponents with her excellent shot and threatening presence.  Glavin finished second on the team in scoring with 33 goals and six assists and was also named to the A-10 All-Championship team.  Senior captain Corey Leader also has the ability to be an explosive scoring threat.  Leader was third on the team in scoring with 26 goals and six assists. 

"Corey's speed and quickness, coupled with Patty's lethal shot will combine for a scoring duo that other teams should watch out for," Uleha commented. 

Johna Capaldo will most likely return for a starting role after starting all 17 games last season.  Capaldo earned 16 points off of 14 goals and two assists and Uhlela hopes that she has gained the confidence that will allow her to become an effective scorer.  Junior Kelly Yemm saw limited action last season but her hardworking and positive attitude has allowed her to improve every day.  Sophomore Nicole Caniglia is an excellent feeder who Ulehla hopes will step up and take more of an active role this season.

Brittany Hoffman, Janell Myers and Andrea DeSabato will be welcome additions to the offensive line.  Hoffman comes to Temple with a fantastic and motivating attitude and Ulehla hopes that Hoffman's stealth attacking skills will prove to be a surprise element for opposing defenders.  Myers and DeSabato should gain valuable experience throughout the season and hopefully will gain some significant playing time.

Temple University Athletics

ULEHLA PROJECTS 2006 WOMEN'S LACROSSE SEASON

Related News

Related Videos