2012 Schedule
2012 Roster
UTICA, NY (3-2-12)- The Utica College women's lacrosse team opens its 2012 campaign Wednesday as the Pioneers begin their journey to earn one of the coveted top four seeds in the always competitive Empire 8 Conference Tournament.
The Pioneers finished last season 6-8 overall and 3-5 in the conference. UC lost five starters to graduation, including
four-time all-conference selection and all-time leading scorer,
Tammy Kohanski (Syracuse, NY/Corcoran). However, fourth year head coach
Kristin St. Hilaire feels that it gives other players an opportunity to step up. “There is no denying we lost a solid group of players last year, with that being said, we have a great group of girls who are thriving in taking over bigger roles this season.”
UC will look to its 16 returners, including four seniors, to guide the Pioneers.
Goalies: Between the pipes, Utica returns two-time defending Empire 8 Conference Goalie of the Year,
Shelby Barbay (Waterloo, NY/Waterloo). Last season Barbay also received Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Empire Region First Team honors and a spot on the 2011 USA College Lacrosse DIII All-Star Team. “She is poised to have yet another stand-out year for us between the pipes,” says St. Hilaire, who has led the Pioneers to 29 wins in four seasons at the helm. “She has continued to work hard throughout her four years here at UC, and she is looking to end her career with her best season yet.” In 40 career games, she has recorded 19 wins and 431 saves, both first all-time in the record books. Behind Barbay, junior
Stephanie Belanger (Lewiston, ME/Lewiston) will continue to develop and can step in when needed.
Defense: Senior
Meghan Olesen (Franklin, MA/Franklin) will guide a young defensive unit that includes returning sophomores
Amanda Edson (Keene, NH/Keene) and
Keala King (St. Albans, VT/Bellows Free Academy). “Defensively, we will rely heavily on
Meghan Olesen (Franklin, MA/Franklin),” says St. Hilaire. “We will count on her to shut down the top attacking threat game in and game out.” Olesen brings 39 games played to the defensive unit over her first three seasons while registering 24 career ground balls and 19 caused turnovers. She started all 14 games last season for the UC defense.
Midfield: Katlyn Banker (Henrietta, NY/Rush-Henrietta) will hold down the midfield and St. Hilaire believes she will remain a big threat on both sides of the field. “A true midfielder, Banker provides a shut down defender on one end, while also causing havoc for the opposing defenders in our attack.” Banker finished second on the team in scoring last season, with 59 points including 23 goals and 18 assists. Helping out Banker will be junior
Lauren Gilmore (Marshfield, MA/Marshfield), and sophomores
Alexandra Balboni (South Windsor, CT/South Windsor),
Jennifer Rogaski (Schenectady, NY/Colonie Central), and
Kristen Beckman (Lake Placid, NY/Northwood).
Offense: At attack, senior captain
Maria Santucci (Holliston, MA/Marian) will lead the Pioneer offense that scored 119 goals last season. St. Hilaire expects Santucci to step into the leadership role, “She has such a great knowledge of the game, and her confidence has grown so much in the past few seasons.” Santucci netted nine goals and added one assists for the Pioneers last season. Joining her up front will be sophomores
Janet Campo (Centerport, NY/Harborfields),
Julia Primps (Ossining, NY/Ossining),
Vanessa Maines (Boxborough, MA/Acton-Boxborough Regional), and
Lindsey Gelles (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park).
Newcomers: UC welcomed six new faces to campus this year. The freshmen have stepped up and already adjusted well to the college game. St. Hilaire is very excited to see what the new group can do. “Meghan and
Patricia Kane (Staten Island, NY/Tottenville) will provide a great deal of speed for us in the midfield. We will look for
Samantha Gebler (Vestal, NY/Vestal) and Morgan Dupont to become attacking threats, while
Kelcie Marshall (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott),
Kelly Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and
Allie Newton (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) will add depth and athleticism to our defense.”
The Pioneers have a good mix of upper class leadership and new, young talent. They will have a lot to prove in a tough Empire 8 Conference, but St. Hilaire is confident in the group and excited to see what they can do.
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