The NCAA News - News and Features

May 5, 1997

National Collegiate

Loyola (Maryland) in position to challenge Maryland for championship

Event: 1997 National Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Championship.

Overview: Loyola (Maryland) ended Maryland's record 50-game winning streak April 22. The Greyhounds pulled off the upset when Michelle Meyer scored with 1:20 left for the 7-6 victory. Loyola's only loss came against Virginia, 7-6, in overtime April 16. The Greyhounds are led by Meyers' 22 goals and 14 assists and the stingy goalkeeping of Kourtney Heavey, who gives up 5.41 goals per game (sixth nationally). The Greyhounds, who narrowly missed making their first championship-game appearance last year due to a one-goal semifinal loss to Virginia, are undefeated in the Colonial Athletic Association, but have been challenged by James Madison (winning, 8-6) .... Maryland, whose last defeat was in the 1994 championship game against Princeton, is led by Sarah Forbes, who had 43 goals and 31 assists through 15 games. Two other players, Cathy Nelson and Sascha Newmarch, have scored 30 goals or more. Nelson has 30 to go along with 22 assists, while Newmarch has 33 goals and 10 assists. Goalie Alex Kahoe has surrendered a meager 5.60 goals per game .... In addition to Loyola, relative newcomer North Carolina may be Maryland's toughest challenger. The Tar Heels, in only their second varsity season, hung tough with the Terps in early March before falling, 8-6. North Carolina features a strong defense. Goalkeeper Debbie Castine has given up only 4.38 goals per game, tops in the nation .... Virginia has lost four games, but two have been by one-goal margins. The Cavaliers are led by Beth Potter's 28 goals and 16 assists, and have seven other players with 10 or more goals.

Field: Eight-team tournament. All teams will be selected at large.

Dates and sites: The first round will be played May 10 at campus sites. The semifinals (May 17) and championship game (May 18) will be played at Lehigh.

Information/results: The fax-on-demand telephone number is 770/399-3060, passcode 1915. The request numbers are 5130 for the semifinals and 5131 for the championship game. No other games will be posted. Results of the semifinals and championship game also will be posted on the World Wide Web at www.ncaa.org. Scores from the first round will appear in the May 19 issue of The NCAA News. Championship results will appear in the May 26 issue.