6A • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
SPORTS
FRIDAY,FEB.22,2002
Lacrosse club opens in tourney
By Stephanie Goettsch Kansan sportswriter
The Kansas women's lacrosse team will open its season tomorrow against unfamiliar opponents and with a roof over its head for the first time.
The team will be one of four at the Minnesota State University-Moorhead Tournament, in Northfield, Minn., this weekend.
Although the team formed six years ago, it's still trying to get its feet on the ground.
"Last year we went 4-5, which was one of our best finishes. We've been slowly improving and this year will be a continuation of growth." coach Dave Wiley said.
Jesse Bird, Olathe junior and three-year team veteran, said the losing record was partially because of a lack of team members.
Ten players consistently participated in games last year, although
the sport requires 12 on the field. This season participation is an asset rather than a downfall.
"Now we have over 20 players, and a lot of the new freshmen have previous experience," Bird said. "We really just want to mix in those freshmen and make everything work. If we can do that, we can win."
The team wants to attain a top two finish in its six-team league and advance to the Division III regional tournament, but its long-term goal is nationals.
"The team is unanimous that there's a championship at the end of the season and that's where we want to be," Natasha Trella. Denver freshman, said.
Trefla is one of the many underclassmen who will be vital to team success according to Wiley. That group also includes freshmen Lindsey Johnson, St. Louis, and Debbie Clarke, Barrington, Ill..
"Since the first time they took the field this fall, they've had a huge impact on the level of play. The veterans are the talkers and leaders of the team. The freshmen lead by example," Wiley said. "Lindsey will probably carry a good deal of the offensive load and be one of the leading scorers."
The team maintains a positive outlook despite its inexperience.
"We've improved every single game last fall, and I think we have even more potential and ability than we let on," said team captain Amy Fortney, St. Louis senior.
"We're communicating better and learning how to adapt to each other's strengths and weaknesses."
Trelfa said the juniors and seniors have had a huge role in team cohesion.
"the support and advice they give is phenomenal. They are always ready, able and willing to give help, on and off the field,"
KU Women's Lacrosse Club
KU Women's LaGrose Club
Spring Season Schedule
Saturday — Minnesota State
University-Moorhead, Carleton College
and Bebul College, Northfield, Minn.
Saturday — University of Missouri and
University of Illinois, Broken Arrow Park
April 6 — TBA, Kirkville, South
April 13 — Lake Forest College and Ball
State University, Champaign III
 April 14 — Knox College and University
of Iowa, Galeebur, Ohio
April 17 — Indiana University and
Truman State, Shenk Complex
 April 27 — League Championship
Tournament, TBA
Trelfa said.
Team confidence has also grown because of last semester's full schedule.
"It got all the new girls ready for spring," Trelfa said. "We improved team unity and got to know each other".
Contact Goettsch at sgoettsch@kansan.com. This story was edited by Jenna goepfert.
623 Vermont 749-5067
Diver finishes second at Big 12 championships
By Ali Brox Kansan sportswriter
By Ali Brox
Senior diver Rebecca McFall finished second in the one meter board at the Big 12 Diving Championships on Wednesday.
It was the first conference final for both Stringham and Miseika.
Kansas had two other divers — juniors Patti Stringham and Kristi Misejka — make it to the finals of the competition.
"The ladies did a great job today," said Kevin Lawrence, diving coach. "They have improved so much and have a lot more confidence in themselves. I'm very happy, and this is a good start for the team."
McFall scored a 270.65, just behind Meghan Zack of Texas A&M, who won the event with a score of 272.65.
"I really didn't come out with
any expectations," McFall said. "I usually dive better on the three-meter board, so I just wanted to come out and have fun and be consistent."
Other Kansas diving results included: Stringham, 252.15; Misejka, 245.95; and Sarah Bliss, 201.05.
The diving competition resumes today in the three-meter board. McFall hopes the team can build on its good start.
The swimming portion of the conference championships began yesterday with the 200-meter free style relay, 500-meter free style, 200 individual medley, 50 free and the 400 medley relay. Results were unavailable at press time.
Contact Brox at abrox@kansan.com. This story was edited by Brooke Hesler.
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