Sept. 29, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt lacrosse team has completed its 2009 schedule. The Commodores will host seven homes games, including a matchup with the 2008 National Champion, and American Lacrosse Conference rival, Northwestern Wildcats in the third game of the season (Feb. 27).
“We are excited to be playing another challenging schedule in 2009,” Cathy Swezey, VU head coach, said. “We especially look forward to the competition in the ALC as our conference has had the highest RPI in Division I lacrosse for the last three years.”
The team’s spring slate also features contests against six opponents who achieved top-20 national rankings at some point last season – North Carolina (Feb. 15), Boston (March 7), Duke (March 11), Johns Hopkins (April 4) and Notre Dame (April 15), in addition to Northwestern.
The `Dores will tip off against UNC, who finished the 2008 regular season ranked No. 12. The Tar Heels hold a decided advantage in the series, as the rivalry enters its 13th-consecutive year.
“Our team is excited to prove that we are not having a rebuilding year, despite the loss we had to graduation,” said Swezey. “The team is practicing well this fall, and we feel confident that we can continue to play as a top-10 Team.”
The Commodores, who set a record in school wins (13) in 2008, return Regional All-American Cara Giordano and over 60 percent of their offensive firepower, along with 11 players who saw significant action last season. Despite losing All-Americans Margie Curran and Sasha Cielak and ALC 2008 Goalkeeper of the Year Brooke Shinaberry to graduation, Swezey’s squad expects a third-straight NCAA Tournament berth.
“Certainly, we’re very proud of making it to the NCAA Tournament the last few years,” Swezey remarked. “We’ve been in the top 10 the last few years by the end of the season.
“Getting past the first round of the Tournament is a goal of ours. That’s a sticking point for me and the program.”
Vanderbilt’s home matchups also include UMBC, Binghamton, Delaware and Notre Dame. The Commodores’ conference contests feature two road tilts with Penn State (March 22) and Ohio State (April 12).
The `Dores, who ended regular-season play ranked No. 9 in 2008, will continue their rivalry with Cornell (April 21, on the road), the series knotted at four wins apiece, and travel to the University of Cincinnati (March 15) for the first time as the Bearcats enter their second season of Division I play.
Penn State will host the ALC conference tournament this season, beginning May 2 with the championship game on May 4. The NCAA Tournament opens first round play on May 10, with the Final Four taking place in Towson, Md., on May 22.
