Lacrosse Opens 2008 Season With Scrimmage At Hofstra Pride

This weekend, the women’s lacrosse team will prepare for its season with a scrimmage at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Last year, the Lions went 5-10 overall, 0-7 in the Ivy League. They opened the 2007 season with a loss to Denver but quickly regrouped to win their next three games. The team could not recover from a five-game skid, however, and finished a promising season below .500.

This year, the Lions hope to improve on their record, led by senior captains Marisa Marcellino and Samantha Morris. Marcellino, a midfielder, has already set the Columbia record for most assists with 66. Her 116 points make her just the third Lion with more than 100 points. In addition, her 34 draw controls were a team high. Marcellino was also named to the All-Ivy League Second Team in 2006 and 2007. Morris transferred to Columbia from Duke but made her mark in just one season with the Light Blue. The defender started nine games in 2007 and contributed in double figures in ground balls, draw controls, and caused turnovers.

Junior goalkeeper Emma Mintz will also be a key player on this year’s squad. As a sophomore, she was a standout, starting all 15 of the Light Blue’s games in goal. Mintz had 140 saves out of 400 shots faced to give her a .458 save percentage, which ranked third in the Ancient Eight last year. Her 5-10-0 record as goalkeeper is not a clear indicator of her talent, as she will be a crucial member of the Lions this season.

Hofstra will challenge with midfielder Corrine Gandolfi. The sophomore started 11 games for the Pride last season and scored 24 goals. She also had 20 caused turnovers and 23 ground balls.

The Light Blue travels to Hofstra on February 10 to prepare for what it hopes will be a successful campaign. The team begins play on February 29 at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J.