TicketsFeb. 13, 2008
THE DRAW:
The University of Cincinnati opens a new chapter in its rich athletics history when the lacrosse program takes the field for the first time on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Vanderbilt. The Bearcats, who will compete as an independent in 2008 before transitioning into a full member of the BIG EAST Conference in 2009, take on the Commodores at 2 p.m. ET at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex.
BEARCAT BITES:
UC's lacrosse program is in its first season at the varsity level. The program was officially founded on Nov. 28, 2006. Head coach Lellie Swords was hired on Feb. 16, 2007 and puts a team on the field one year later.
Cincinnati will compete as an independent during the 2008 season before transitioning into the BIG EAST Conference in 2009.
The Bearcats will take on four NCAA tournament teams from 2007 and six programs ranked in the final 2007 national polls.
UC's roster features 14 freshmen and six transfers. Only three players on the roster have collegiate experience and only junior Lindsey Marshall has more than one year.
SCOUTING THE COMMODORES:
Vanderbilt finished the 2007 season with an 11-6 overall record and a second-place finish in the American Lacrosse Conference standings, behind eventual National Champion Northwestern.
VU earned a home game in the NCAA Tournament, but fell, 16-10, to Syracuse in the first round.
Six of the Commodores' Top 10 scorers from 2007 return.
Senior goalkeeper Brooke Shinaberry has started every game over the last two seasons.
Head coach Cathy Swezey is in her 11th season at Vanderbilt, leading the Commodores to the NCAA Final Four in 2004.
OHIO'S LOSS...UC'S GAIN:
Ohio University disbanded its varsity lacrosse program prior to the 2007 season, leaving a roster full of players without a team. The creation of the Cincinnati program - just a few hours away from the Athens campus - afforded those players an opportunity to get back on the field. Five former Bobcats - junior Lindsey Marshall, sophomores Jess Kazaks and Shannon Lynes and freshmen Lynsey Burton and Lauren Kelly - transferred to UC for the 2007-08 academic year.
SISTER, SISTER:
Twin sisters Lauren and Patty Kelly took different paths, but both ended up at Cincinnati to play lacrosse. Lauren attended Ohio University, but transferred after the program was cut. Patty was injured during her first season at Maryland and decided to join her sister at UC when the program was founded. The Timonium, Maryland, natives played together at the Roland Park Country School as preps.
TOUGH SLEDDING:
The Bearcats's schedule does not reflect that of a first-year program. UC will play four 2007 NCAA Tournament teams and six teams ranked in the final 2007 national polls. The season-opener at Vanderbilt pits the Bearcats against a Top 10 team and NCAA qualifier. At home, UC will take on NCAA participant LeMoyne, Top 10-ranked Syracuse, and a Top 20-ranked Ohio State team.
NEXT UP:
The Bearcats will play their inaugural home game on Feb. 23 against LeMoyne at 2 p.m. in Nippert Stadium.