University of Richmond Athletics
Women's Lacrosse Plays Season-Finale This Weekend
04/29/2004 | Women's Lacrosse
April 29, 2004
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The University of Richmond women's lacrosse team plays its final regular season game this Sunday when they host Saint Joseph's at noon. The Spiders' four seniors will be recognized in a brief pre-game ceremony.
After falling in its last four contests, Richmond (6-9, 2-4) is looking to close out the regular season with a victory. Senior Polly Purcell leads the Spiders in scoring with 39 points off 35 goals and 14 assists. In addition, she ranks sixth nationally in ground balls per game (3.8). Sophomore Allison Nuzzi is currently 13th in the country in assists, averaging 1.6 per outing.
In the latest NCAA statistics, the Spiders are 14th in draw controls (12.67) and 18th in ground balls (24.47).
Richmond's four seniors will be honored prior to the start of the game.
#14 - Libby Berlacher
M * Villanova, Pa. * Agnes Irwin School
Head Coach Sue Murphy on Libby: "Libby is one tough player. She is quite deceiving in her stature but has worked so hard to gain strength while endearing constant pain from injury. I have tremendous respect for Libby and what she does just to step on the field, let alone what she is DETERMINED to do once on the field. Libby has no fear, what a quality! I have challenged her over these past three years and have never been disappointed. She is best in the 12 meter attack, a weaver in a crowd who loves to finish. Libby is utilized on both ends of the field, where she is also needed as a great team defender."
#18 - Mandy Bourquin
D * Lutherville, Md. * Notre Dame Prep
Murphy on Mandy: "Mandy really came into her own during her junior year. She is such an unselfish player that I don't think she understands just how impacting her role has become. Through leadership opportunities with a young team, Mandy has gained tremendous confidence and composure both on and off the field. I expected great things from Mandy this season as she helped tackle our opponent's top attack with speed. She has taken great pride in learning to use her speed wisely and in transition has been asked to go to goal."
#5 - Jen Cielewich
D * Severna Park, Md. * Severna Park
Murphy on Jen: "Jen is an outstanding competitor and leader. She had the opportunity to serve as captain as a junior and this season, she has worked to 'take ownership of the program on the field'. Jen leads in so many ways - lifting, conditioning, mental strength and perserverance. I am not sure I have ever coached such a strong character as Jen Cielewich in my years as a head coach. Although Jen has battled with some injuries and health, I had full confidence that Jen would turn many heads this season as a mark down defender and midfield transitional player and also in draw control and attack situations. She loves to compete and win...and demands nothing less."
#33 - Polly Purcell
A * Ellicott City, Md. * Mt. Hebron
Murphy on Polly: "Polly is an outstanding player that has set a higher standard on the field for those around her and our building program. Polly has a great stick and repertoire of shots that baffles many that play against her. I have been most impressed over the years at her development as an all-around player. Polly has become a solid one versus one defender, particularly used in our rides yet also needed in our team defense. She has been a major focus to other teams this year, but thanks to her development and increased strength - she has been used in many more capacities above and beyond putting the ball in the net."
