By Lemmy Nemuel

After posting an 8-6 record in its inaugural season, Coach Francesca DeLorenzo has set high expectations for her Mavericks in 2011.

The coach feels that last year’s success will carry over to this season. “We worked very well last season. And I am hoping we will be able to repeat that kind of teamwork once again.”

DeLorenzo feels that she was fortunate to coach a smart team. “We need to make decisions and recognize our strengths; everyone on our team is capable of being a smart player.”

Last year’s squad’s record was phenomenal considering on a 17 woman roster, there was only one senior and two sophomores. The rest of the squad was freshmen.

“I was extremely proud of them,” said DeLorenzo. “A lot of players stood out and showed great potential during fall ball.”

DeLorenzo believes the attack should be very successful this season and describes her team in one word: dynamic. “We have a number of new freshman, including Tracey Wandle and Kristen Znaniecki, who will be major contributors.”

The one thing that separates this year’s team from last year’s team is depth, according to DeLorenzo. “Last season we struggled with some injury issues and with numbers as a first year program. This year, our roster is bigger and we will have the ability to give our starters more of a rest during games while continuing to build on our talents.”

Three of the freshmen women earned Second Team All-ECC honors last season. Attacker Brianna Horn, Midfielder Jamie McPartland and midfielder Kelsey Sullivan.

Honr led the team with 56 points and was tied for the team lead in goals at 43. McPartland was third on the team in goals with 41 and third in points with 44. Sullivan scored 31 and led the team in groundballs, draw controls and caused turnovers.

Callie Schwichtenberg, sophomore midfielder, has shown a lot of improvement and is one of those players that coach DeLorenzo really expects to have a big year from this year.

Coach DeLorenzo and the Mercy Mavericks are looking forward to their season opener, which they will play at Chestnut Hill College in Pennsylvania on March 5. Coach DeLorenzo felt as though last year her lady Mavericks played a strong game against Chestnut Hill, leading the game at the half by three goals. However Chestnut had a strong second half and mounted the comeback topping the Mavericks by the score of 14-13. DeLorenzo made it clear that this year they want earn that game back, plus, she had set new goals in 2011.

“Our captains, Kelsey Sulivan and Julie Darnulc, did an amazing job last year of leading our team and keeping everyone focused. We have an impressive group of young women who know what it means to be dedicated.”