University of Richmond Athletics
Transfers Lift UR Lacrosse to New Heights
04/03/2002 | Women's Lacrosse
April 3, 2002
Real Player
|
Windows Media
***Video is recommended to be viewed over a cable modem or faster***
Already off to its best start in school history, Richmond women's lacrosse (6-4, 1-0 Atlantic 10) is not slowing down. With the bulk of the A-10 schedule on the horizon, the Spiders are excited about the opportunity to compete. And compete they have. Two losses to nationally ranked opponents last week hasn't slowed down this group of young women or two of its most vocal leaders, sophomore transfers Polly Purcell (Ellicott City, Md.) and Jen Cielewich (Severna Park, Md.).
Purcell and Cielewich followed Richmond head coach Sue Murphy and assistant Barb DiArcangelo from Boston U. The two shone for the Terriers last season. Attacker Purcell earned the conference's Rookie of the Year award, notching 29 goals and a team-best 17 assists while Cielewich, a defender, registered 25 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers. Both were instrumental in the team's success and both student-athletes believed in the ability of their coaches.
Closer now to their homes in Maryland which have allowed their parents to see every game, the dynamic duo have picked up for UR where they left off a season ago in Beantown. Their presence has been felt immediately not just on the field but off as well in the leadership roles Purcell and Cielewich have readily accepted. Purcell leads the team in points with 37 and is fourth in the nation in assists having already recorded 17. Cielewich has 17 ground balls to go along with two goals and two assists. Numbers and statistics do not measure the tandem's drive as the ultimate goal is an Atlantic 10 Championship.
