Thursday, January 30, 1997
CLUB:
Rookies vital for improvements, victory in upcoming seasonBy
Rocky Salmon
Daily Bruin Contributor
The women’s lacrosse team has experienced a changing of
identity.
A strong class of freshmen and a total of 17 newcomers will join
forces this year in an effort to replace the holes left with the
departure of a strong contingent of graduating players.
With a rejuvenated squad, the youngsters are looking to improve
upon the 4-4 record and first-round playoff ouster of a year
ago.
"After last year many of our veterans left, either because of
time constraints or graduation," junior captain Amy Fujimoto said.
"We definitely have a lot of new rookies out there. But with them
comes a lot of enthusiasm."
Leigh Moscrip and Jenny Murphy are freshman standouts who are
expected to contribute immediately in the Bruins’ search for a
league title.
However, the team is not completely lacking veteran leadership.
Returning players include juniors Cassie Craun, Alina Wilga and
Fujimoto, who will play defensive wing.
"Cassie is one of our strongest players," Fujimoto said. "Goalie
Alina Wilga has saved many games for us and it appears that both
players will be essential to our success."
After winning a preseason tournament at Santa Barbara, UCLA is
starting to find the find the right chemistry needed to elevate the
Bruins further into the playoffs.
"I am very impressed on how this team came together so quickly,"
team captain Fujimoto said. "All we have to do is start the season
off well."
The Bruins will look to defend their title at the Santa Barbara
Shootout on Feb. 15, which they won last year.
"I’m looking forward to starting off the season because our team
has been steadily growing," junior defender Amy Tobaggi said. "We
are really excited about the tournament and the game on Feb.19
against an all-star team from Japan."
Victories in the tournament combined with a win in the all-star
game against Japan may just give the Bruins momentum entering the
league season.
Not to mention experience.