Feb. 20, 2008

LEWISBURG, Pa. - With the start of the 2008 season just one week away, Bucknell head women's lacrosse coach Caline McHenry has announced that senior Lauren Deitrich (Collegeville, Pa./The Hill School) and junior Catherine Barry (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) have been elected team captains.

Deitrich and Barry both anchor a Bison defense that could prove to be one of the team's strengths this spring. The squad will be tested quickly, as No. 14 Penn State visits Graham Field next Wednesday at 4 p.m. for the season opener.

Also a team co-captain last season, Deitrich has been named to the All-Patriot League Second Team in each of the last two seasons. She has started every game in her career thus far, and last season she led the Patriot League and ranked third in the nation in caused turnovers with 43. Deitrich also ranked fourth in the league in draw controls (32) last year, when she set career highs for goals (14) and points (18).

Barry has played in all 33 games over the last two seasons, including the last 30 as a starter, while marking some of the top scorers in the Patriot League. In 2007 she was third on the team in caused turnovers with 19 and fourth in ground balls with 29.

"I think that Lauren and Catherine will have a dynamic presence, not only on the field but with their desire to take this program to the next level," said McHenry. "They are teammates that can be looked to for guidance and support. These two are very different in their leadership approach but have the same beliefs and desires for this program to be successful.

"Barry is someone that I consider to be a `quiet storm.' She is not the loudest voice but is a steady and constant force with her presence. She is always looking out for what is best for the team and demands the most not only from herself but from those around her. Her teammates look to her as a calming and reassuring spirit.

Catherine Barry

"L.D. is someone from the moment I met that I knew had a passion for lacrosse and for this program. She is the vocal leader who is always honest with herself and this team and will do whatever is asked of her to get us where we need to be. She is a great player, but more so is a consummate optimist who has the ability to lift her teammates."

McHenry also announced the formation of a leadership council, comprised of one representative from each class. Named to the council were senior Ashley Flood (Westfield, N.J./Lawrenceville School), junior Sarah Collins (Goldens Bridge, N.Y./John Jay), sophomore Kendall Thibeault (Fallston, Md./St. Paul's) and freshman Ashley St. John (Wayne, Pa./Conestoga).

The Bison return seven starters and 14 letterwinners from last year's 7-9 squad, including the top seven scorers. Bucknell plays its first three games of the year at home. Following the Penn State game next Wednesday, the Bison host Long Island on March 5 and Patriot League rival American on March 8.