University of Richmond Athletics
Women's Lacrosse Prepares for Atlantic 10 Championship
04/28/2003 | Women's Lacrosse
April 28, 2003
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - For senior Katie Dolan (Towson, Md.) and junior Polly Purcell (Ellicott City, Md.), the individual accomplishments are noted, but each hopes that their contributions on the playing field will lead to greater success for the University of Richmond women's lacrosse team.
The two, who each scored their 100th point this season, are an integral part of the Spiders' offense and a key ingredient to Richmond's current 10-6 record. Purcell is currently ranked ninth in the country in points per game (4.0) and her 41 goals lead the Atlantic 10. Dolan ranks second on the squad in both points (44) and assists (10).
With a young group of players on the offensive attack, Purcell and Dolan have both assumed new leadership roles for second-year head coach Sue Murphy.
"The freshmen are learning a new offense and adjusting to the college game," Purcell explained. "It's important that we use our experience to help make the transition as easy as possible. Part of that responsibility includes being more vocal on the field."
The Spiders entered the 2003 season with a national ranking (No. 19) for the first time in 15 years.
"It was nice to see the recognition, but we tried not to pay attention to the rankings," Dolan said. "We know that if we work on playing the game, the other stuff will fall into place."
Richmond opened the season with three consecutive losses to nationally-ranked opponents before earning its first win over conference-opponent Duquesne.
"Our schedule was demanding," Dolan stated, "but it made us realize that if we wanted to accomplish our goals, we needed to focus and unite as a team."
Entering this weekend's Atlantic 10 Tournament, the Spiders have won four of their last five contests, including two convincing wins over conference opponents. Richmond is looking to return to the championship game where they advanced last spring before falling to Temple.
"We have the skill level and players needed to win the tournament," Purcell said. "We want to continue playing with a high level of intensity and make sure that our effort and heart are at the same level."
The third-seeded Spiders open tournament play on Friday, May 2 against No. 2 seed Massachusetts at 2:00 p.m.
