Jan. 30, 2006

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.-- In many ways, the state of the United States Women's National Teams program reflects that of lacrosse at-large - adapting to change while preserving the sport's traditions. This is the challenge that Sue Heether, tasked with restoring good faith in Team USA, has undertaken.

 

As first impressions go, Heether's debut at the helm provided mixed blessings.

 

Northwestern University, the defending NCAA Division I champion, defeated the United States National Team, 14-9, in a women's lacrosse exhibition Sunday before 657 in attendance at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

 

However the result of the game, in which the Wildcats were led by Tewaaraton Trophy candidate Kristen Kjellman (two goals, three assists), was not nearly as significant as the weekend of preparation which preceded it, according to Heether.

 

"It's different. It's a different take. It's a different feel," said Heether, a former U.S. player who replaced longtime head coach Sue Stahl in October, less than four months after the team's gold-medal reign was ended by Australia in the 2005 IFWLA World Cup Final. "The openness to try new things and to risk was phenomenal. We have, what, six returning players with international experience? They don't even know each others' names yet."

 

Comprised of 36 players selected from the U.S. Developmental and Elite teams, many brandished nametags throughout the weekend, the more experienced players often pulling younger ones (some as young as sophomores in college) aside for private instruction.

 

It paid off Sunday, briefly. The United States took a 3-1 lead on the defending national champs in the first half on a pair of quick-stick goals by Crista Samaras and Quinn Carney, both World Cup competitors, assisted by University of Virginia graduate and relative U.S. newcomer Amy Appelt.

 

Northwestern, which begins its title defense Feb. 12 at Maryland, responded with three unanswered goals and did not trail after that. Meredith Franke added three goals and an assist for the Wildcats, who also held a 16-9 advantage in draw controls.

 

Elite Team member Michele DeJuliis (Penn State) capitalized on a backdoor feed from Duke sophomore Jess Adam to close the gap to 10-9 with 16:26 left, but the U.S. was then held scoreless for the remainder of regulation.

 

The teams played a bonus 25-minute period (the Wildcats outscored the U.S. 5-4, for a combined 19-13 margin) with each unveiling a full complement of players, who stayed afterwards to sign autographs.

 

Appelt, the 2004 Tewaaraton Trophy winner, finished with two goals and three assists. Duke's Katie Chrest, Appelt's successor as national player of the year who is favored by Lacrosse magazine to become a two-time winner this spring, added two goals in the losing cause.

 

"It's just fun to get to know different people and how they play and develop their skills and take from what they have - whether they're older, younger or whatever," Appelt said. "I think the cohesiveness of the team and the U.S. program in general is going in a positive direction. Sue did a great job all weekend to just make us realize that lacrosse is really fun."

 

Said Heether: "They don't realize yet how much putting on that uniform means."

 

"I'm just dying to get back to these guys," said Northwestern assistant Acacia Walker, herself a U.S. team member, who is recovering from knee surgery. "It's good because Sue Heether is going to add a little spark to the game. We need new faces, but we need the older ones like Crista Samaras to keep the tradition."

 

Administered by US Lacrosse, the National Teams Program coordinates the Elite, Developmental and Under-19 Teams. The next sanctioned international competition for the United States will be the 2007 IFWLA U-19 World Championship in Canada.

 

Box Score

 

Northwestern 14, United States 9 (exhibition) *

 

Northwestern	8	6	14
United States	6	3	9

 

Goals: NW - Frank 3, Josephs 3, Kjellman 2, Albrecht 2, Nielsen, Glassanos, Bowen, Munday; US - Appelt 2, Chrest 2, Goldsborough 2, Carney, DeJuliis, Samaras.

Assists: NW - Kjellman 3, Frank, Albrecht; US - Appelt 3, Adam, Key.

Saves: NW - 3 (Bangser), US - 9 (Wills 5, Kahoe 2, Altig 1, Wilk 1).

Draw Controls: NW 16, US 9. Ground Balls: NW 20, US 16.

Attendance: 657

 

* Teams played a bonus 25-minute period. Northwestern outscored the United States, 5-4, for a 19-13 final margin.