News-Letter

Media Credit: Shiv Gandhi [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Shiv Gandhi [Click to enlarge]

For those not "in the know," Hopkins has not one, but two lacrosse teams, separated by key rule differences. The mesh netting is deeper in one team's sticks, while the other team's mesh netting is taut and less forgiving. One team sports ample padding while the other is relatively unencumbered. Also, one team consists entirely of women while the other has no women at all. Tennis player and famed chauvinist Bobby Riggs might have wondered how this woman-filled team manages to succeed without the aid of men. But they make it work, mostly by using what those in the industry call "incredible, face-melting talent." Returning to the team this year are 8 of 2006's top 10 Blue Jay scorers. Here's a look at a few of them that should melt an extraordinary number of faces this year.

Mary Key, Senior Attacker and Co-Captain

Any discussion of top returning players - for this team or pretty much any team in any sport - has to begin with Mary Key. First of all, she already has eight goals and five assists this year. The team has played two games (both wins). Second of all, she's a two-time All-American and has led the NCAA in scoring for the past two years. Last year she set the Division I single-season records in both goals and assists and she became the Hopkins career points and assists leader as a junior. She has also twice been a nominee for the Tewaaraton Trophy, honoring the best lacrosse player in the country. Some might say she's pretty good.

Kadie Stamper, Junior Midfielder

I'm sure the thought that comes to most people's heads is that it would be pretty lonely for Key to be the only All-American on the team. Don't worry, Kadie Stamper has her covered. Together, they can talk about the trials and tribulations of being the best in the country.

In 2006 she was second in the American Lacrosse Conference (ALC) and 11th in the country in draw controls, leading the team in both that category and ground balls. Also, she chipped in 32 points (26 goals, 6 assists) for good measure. Stamper will be lining up to take the team's center draws this season, and again Hopkins can expect more of the same. Look for her to repeat as one of the sport's top performers.

Cherie Michaud, Senior Defender and Co-Captain

Last year Hopkins gave up but 8.88 goals per game. And they scored, well, more than that, leading to a regular season record of 12-4 and a national ranking as high as No. 2, the best in program history. A lot of the credit for that success belongs to the less glamorous side of the field, the side where you only get noticed if you mess up.

Cherie Michaud leads the defensive unit this year. She's a ground ball machine ready to take charge of a sleek and lightning-quick corps. With any luck, no one will realize she's doing anything at all.

Article Tools