CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – As Skyline Conference women's lacrosse play gets set to begin, one thing is certain this season - Farmingdale State will not surprise anyone this season. After going 2-3 in Skyline play in 2008 (4-11 overall), the Rams captured their first conference title and NCAA bid last season by going a perfect 7-0 in Skyline play (11-4 overall). For that reason, Farmingdale is the pick to repeat as champion this season.
Farmingdale lost a good amount of offense from last season, but the Rams do return junior Justine Rothar, the Skyline Conference Player of the Year last year. Rothar also led conference in points per game at 5.47. Sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Cook, the conference's Rookie of the Year, returns to anchor the Rams' defense. Cook was a standout in the Skyline tournament, earning tournament MVP honors as Farmingdale captured the title.
Montclair State, which had won three straight Skyline titles (2006, 2007, 2008), before falling to Farmingdale State in last year's championship game, will make another strong run at the title this spring. Seniors Morgan MacPhee and Lauren Adams along with junior Kayla Henderson and sophomore Cora Delfini give the Red Hawks an experienced offense. The Montclair defense was young last season, but will be improved with a year of experience. Depth at goalkeeper will also help the Red Hawks contend for a title.
Mount Saint Vincent, Kean and Ramapo were selected third, fourth, and fifth respectively in a close vote. The Skyline Conference now includes nine teams this season with the addition of first-year programs Bard and Mount Saint Mary. The conference expects to become more competitive as the young programs continue to develop.
- 2010 SKYLINE CONFERENCE WOMEN’S
LACROSSE COACHES’ POLL
1. Farmingdale State (8) 64
2. Montclair State (1) 56
3. Mount Saint Vincent 46
4. Kean 42
5. Ramapo 39
6. Maritime 27
7. Sage 20
8. Mount Saint Mary 17
9. Bard 13
(first-place votes in parentheses)