Large freshman contingent to bolster Lady Jays

An influx of youth characterizes the 2002 Women's Lacrosse team. Featuring eight freshman players, this year's version of the Lady Jays showcases much young talent that the team can build around in future years. Look for big contributions this season from these eight new additions to the team.

#9, Anne Crisafulli

From Garden City, NY, Anne Crisafulli is expected to be a key part of the Lady Jays' offense in the 2002 season. During the fall Anne provided a possible glimpse of what can be expected this year, as she was one of the team's top scorers. She plays midfield very fluidly, and is a player to watch out for. Like her teammate Julia Kleene, Anne was selected to the New York State All-Tournament team in 2000, and was an All-County selection twice.

#20, Lacey-Leigh Hentz

Baltimore native Lacey-Leigh Hentz will be an invaluable asset for the Lady Jays this season, starting on defense. Brought in to jumpstart the Hopkins women's defense, Lacey may well find herself being assigned to the opposing team's top scorer. While in high school Lacey was named to First Team Carol County Times and First Team Baltimore Sun for lacrosse. Nor is she a one-dimensional athlete ? Lacey also plays soccer and enjoys skiing, although she does not ski because of her commitment to the lacrosse team (and the risk of injury inherent in skiing).

Lacey is happy to be going to school so close to home ? when applying to colleges, the furthest away she contemplated going was Syracuse, NY. A political science major, Lacey is considering law after college, but like most of us does not have any definite plans right now.

#7, Julia Kleene

The fast Julia Kleene will be making her contributions to the Lady Jays in her freshman year at midfield. From Rochester, NY, Julia enjoyed an award-filled high school career, earning All American honors in her senior year and an honorable mention to the team in her junior year. She was also named to the All-Tournament team for the Empire State games two years in a row, and was named player of the game for the state tournament in her senior year.

As for her studies, Julia has elected to pursue the unorthodox route of being a premed student while majoring in Eastern Classics. As she says, it helps not to be like everyone else when applying to medical schools. Lacrosse isn't Julia's only talent ? she enjoys singing, and even performed a duet with Carly Simon when she was 12.

#33, Kristen Miller

Joining the second unit on midfield for the Women's Lacrosse team is freshman Kristen Miller. A homegrown Baltimore product, Kristen is a strong, physical player with plenty of natural athletic ability.

During high school, Kristen was named to the All-Metro team in her senior year and led her Notre Dame team to the state championship. Kristen also possesses athletic ability in other sports, as she led her 2000 Notre Dame basketball team to the state championship and was also a field hockey standout.

#2, Erin Riordan

Joining the Lady Jays' attack is freshman Erin Riordan, a finesse player from Brightwaters, NY. In addition to her natural talent, Erin's left-handedness should help provide a different look to the Hopkins Women's offense. Erin's shot is one of the most powerful on the team, and will likely earn her plenty of playing time early in the season.

During high school, Erin was the captain of her lacrosse and soccer teams, and earned All-County honors for lacrosse during her senior year.

#23, Julia Salsich

Annapolis, MD standout Julia Salsich will thwart opponents at every turn on defense this season for the Women's Lacrosse team. Her excellent game sense and impressive strength will be assets to the Lady Jays in 2002. During high school Julia was named defensive player two years in a row, and during her senior year was named Academic All American.

Julia is undecided but is considering majoring in psychology ? she told us that after Hopkins she wants to be a physical therapist. Like others on the Lady Jays, Julia comes from an athletic family ? her brother plays Division I football.

#0, Catherine Sawyer

Catherine Sawyer joins the Women's Lacrosse team as their second goalie. Even in her freshman year Catherine is likely to see plenty of playing time, as her quick hands make her a formidable obstacle for even the most talented scorers. While in high school she was twice named All-American in addition to being first team All-State twice.

A New Jersey native like seemingly everyone at Hopkins, Catherine is a Public Health major ? "because being a bio major is too hard." Right now she has no concrete plans for what she is going to do after college and is just focusing on having fun during her time at Hopkins.

#6, Leah Onda

Joining the 2002 team on attack will be Maryland native Leah Onda. Leah was a standout in many sports in high school, being named to All Metro and All County teams for lacrosse, All State for soccer and All County for basketball. She is expected to continue her highly successful lacrosse career in starting for the Women's Lacrosse team this season. Leah is optimistic about the Lady Jays' chances this year; as she says, "As a team we feel that we can beat every team on our schedule." Leah also notes the strong senior core of players as boding well for the Lady Jays' championship aspirations.

Lacrosse runs in Leah's family ? her brother plays lacrosse as well. As far as academics, Leah is undecided right now but is considering a major in psychology.