Program Notes

Aly Dowey ’15 is one of Bates’ strong group of defenders who will be looked upon to protect the Bobcats’ goal in 2013. File photo by Hank Schless ’14/Bates College.

Playing women’s lacrosse in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) is arguably one of the most competitive athletic endeavors in Division III. Last season eight of the 11 NESCAC teams were often one of the top 20 teams in the IWLCA’s national Division III rankings.

The season begins in mid-February and consists of a 13-game schedule, including 10 games against NESCAC opponents. The team will travel to Florida for their spring break trip in February for daily practices and a scrimmage. The top eight teams in the regular season standings qualify for the NESCAC Championship, with the winner earning an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship.

2013 Season Outlook

Bates women’s lacrosse finished the 2012 season with a 7-8 overall record and their fourth straight appearance in the NESCAC Women’s Lacrosse Championship quarterfinals. The Bobcats consistently found themselves in the top 20 national ranking and will be looking to earn their first berth in the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship tournament in 2013.

The Bobcats return two of their top three point leaders from last season in sophomore attacker Kathy Yannopoulos and junior midfielder Wally Pierce.

Senior co-captain Jenn Brallier will be a threat on attack, while sophomore Emma Getsinger and junior SooHee Yoon will be key factors in the midfield. While on defense, the Bobcats will look to senior co-captain Linnea Fulton, junior Cat Dioli and sophomore Aly Dowey as anchors. Dioli, Fulton and Pierce were all named to the IWLCA All-Region team in 2012.

Bates also boasts an impressive class of first-years in 2013 whom eighth-year head coach Brett Allen hopes will develop into standouts across the field.