WOMEN'S LACROSSE HEADS TO SUNNY FLORIDA FOR OPENER

SMITHFIELD, RI - While the rest of the Northeast tries to shake the winter chill, signs of spring are upon us as the Bryant women's lacrosse team opens its season next week.  The Bulldogs, under the direction of second-year coach Karen Healy, open with Presbyterian on Monday and take on New Haven Wednesday. Both matches will take place in Florida.

After posting a 12-5 record last season and third place finish in the Northeast-10 Conference, the Bulldogs will welcome back 11 of its 13 top scorers from last year - including three all-conference standouts this spring.  Leading the way will be senior Maureen Burns and junior Shaun Leddy.  Both were first team all-conference selections last season. 

Burns has been a staple in the midfield for the Bulldogs for the past three seasons while Leddy has been one of the most prolific scorers in the conference since stepping foot on campus as a freshman in 2004. 

Last year, Leddy netted 43 goals on the season, a team-best and also assisted on 13 others.  Joining Leddy up front this season will be Lauren Carlisle.  With three games recording at least five goals, the junior from San Diego was second behind Leddy with 41 goals on the season and was named second team all-conference.

Marisa Lawrence returns after leading the team with 58 points (28 goals, 30 assists) while Amanda Gallant and Caitlin Hansen are back after posting 32 and 29 goals respectively in 2005.

Senior goalkeeper Samantha Libby returns between the pipes after posting an 8.93 goals against average last season and will be backed up by freshman Marie Grant who is coming off a successful field hockey season in net.