University of Richmond Athletics
Lacrosse Senior Carrie Aitken Rewrites Record Book
04/30/2002 | Women's Lacrosse
April 30, 2002
Fouled in the crease, senior attacker Carrie Aitken took an eight-yard free position on Friday afternoon as she has so many times in her four-year Richmond career. This free position shot in the 47th minute, however, would vault the attacker into first place in the program's record book. Aitken found the back of the net as she had on 134 previous occasions. In doing so, the Paxton, Mass. native became the all-time leader in goals scored breaking Heather Gardner's previous mark (1993-96).
That is not the only record the talented four-year starter has eclipsed this season. She also set the mark for goals in a single season, netting 50 ... and counting.
"Being a goal scorer is really not the kind of player I am and not what I look to do when I step on the field," says Aitken. "I just happen to be in the right positions at the right times to put the ball in the back of the net."
Goals and records, however, are not in the back of this attackers' mind. Instead it is a conference title this senior desires.
"One thing that I know would never fade is an Atlantic 10 Championship; that is the team's goal and mine," says Aitken. "I know in the years ahead someone will break the records. I am so excited to come back in a year or two and see the progress Coach Murphy has made with the program and watch my records fall."
"I have enjoyed working with Carrie this year, both on and off the field. I wish I had more time with her," says first-year head coach Sue Murphy. "As a player she is just peaking and as a person she has tremendous leadership in the example she gives day in and day out. Aitken has outstanding work ethic coupled with true athleticism."
Murphy has piloted the Spiders to their best mark in school history (11-5). Richmond combined for 11 wins in the previous three seasons. In addition, the squad has netted 201 goals, also a new program-best topping the previous mark by 35 goals.
"Watching the win column go up and up has been exciting this year," Aitken remarks. "To me it is a whole new program and a tremendous feeling to know we started, I guess you would say, a different era. I am glad it began now so in the years to come, 11 wins won't be enough. The teams in the future won't be satisfied with 11 and the sky will be the limit."
Aitken has not done it alone this spring, one thing she attributes to her success this season is the help she has gotten in the crease from new teammates and old ones alike. Sophomore transfer Polly Purcell has netted 37 goals while assisting on 28 more. Juniors Kristy Gallagher and Katie Dolan have scored 26 and 25 goals, respectively. In total, six Richmond players have tallied 20 or more goals allowing Aitken's game to grow.
"It is great to have so many different styles so if an opponent was to come in and take out me, or Polly (Purcell), or (Kristy) Gallagher or (Katie) Dolan we would balance each other out because someone else would step up," says Aitken. "We have so many different weapons and that is a large part of the success this season."
"I have witnessed her become a more rounded player this year and her game has improved in more areas then just scoring," Murphy notes. "In her development, she has gained a steady confidence that has helped us build this program this year. I wish I had more time with her."
Richmond's season is far from over as they embark this weekend for Pittsburgh and the A-10 Championships. The second-seeded Spiders take on UMass at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3.
