University of Richmond Athletics
Women's Lacrosse Announces Schedule, Captains
12/28/2008 | Women's Lacrosse
Dec. 28, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The women's lacrosse squad opens its 2009 season with a home scrimmage versus the English National Squad Feb. 9th at 3:00 p.m. The Spiders then open the regular season with Maryland Feb. 15th at home. Seniors Mandy Friend and Alli Furstenburg will co-captain the veteran squad.
""We are very fortunate to have the strength of schedule in our non-conference games with ACC powers Maryland, Duke, UNC and UVA," said head coach Sue Murphy. "As we search for our national ranking again among this schedule, we will keep focus on our Atlantic 10 foes that have continued to show tremendous growth and development over the past few years. As the reigning 2008 A10 Regular Season Champion, our ultimate goal will be to capture the A10 Tourney in 2009 and head back to the NCAA tourney."
In addition to Maryland, the Spiders will host JMU, St. Bonaventure, Duquesne and Saint Joseph's."
Seniors Mandy Friend and Alli Furstenburg will co-captain the 2009 squad.
"On the field they are an amazing duo with the focus of empowering others to play at a higher level," said Murphy. "While both have persevered through some rough spots, injuries and many ups and downs, their fortitude to succeed and lead are second to none."
Friend, a native of Canandaigua, N.Y., has built a decorated resume at Richmond. Last season she started every game for Spiders, while netting 53 goals and dishing 36 assists and earning a season-best 89 points. Friend was selected to the Team Canada roster earlier this fall. Friend was also selected to the IWLCA All-South Regional Second Team, and was named the Atlantic-10 Player of the Week twice.
"Mandy has always been a vocal and passionate leader while always respecting the growth of those around her," said Murphy. "Our need for her to handle the draw control on or around the circle, getting on defense to help direct and lead our unit and create fast break opportunities with her speed and vision while still shelling out total points, ground balls and caused turnovers, has proven her to be an overall outstanding national player."
Furstenburg, a native of Whitehouse Station, N.J., led the team with 54 goals last season. Furstenburg was second on the team in assists (28) and points (82).
"Alli's commitment to win is contagious," said Murphy. She has done a lot off the field to allow her to help us on defense, in transition and fast break. When she is able to get in on defense, Alli's decisive doubles are simply unsurpassed and add a dimension to our defense that is both upbeat and aggressive."