The 2001 season for the Johns Hopkins Women's Lacrosse team had ups and downs that kept their closest followers guessing till the end. Entering only their third season in the NCAA Division I league, the Lady Jays had as much to prove as to learn. The season finally ended at an 11-6 record, with an Eastern Conference Championship to show and many more attributes that presented themselves during the run.
Janine Tucker coached the Blue Jays for the eight straight season. It was during that time that Coach Tucker recorded her 100th win in a game against a No. 15 ranked George Mason. A person with a wonderful personality and liked and respected by all the players, Coach Tucker has been more than instrumental in leading Hopkins to two post-seasons in its first three Division I seasons.
Hopkins' game plan was built around fast breaks and constant pressure at the opponents' cage. Controlling possession (first in division in groundballs) and forcing the opposition to create plays (9th in turnovers caused), the Blue Jays often put themselves on the scoreboard early and pushed ahead from there. However, therein lay a weakness. If the team was tied or trailing at the half, it was never able to surmount a comeback and win the game. The Blue Jays were 0-6 in such matches.
This streak became somewhat apparent from the season opener itself. Facing a strong team in North Carolina, the Lady Jays scored in the first 22 seconds of the start of the game. They soon rushed to a 3-0 lead against the No. 5 ranked team. It was an unbelievable start, considering that Hopkins were missing two starters at defense and Coach Tucker had to start many of the younger players. North Carolina soon went on a nine-goal rampage and never looked back (JHU lost 3-15). But the start and the grit of the inexperienced team held a lot for the coming season.
The Blue Jays rebounded with a victory against American and then dropped a highly emotionally charged match against William and Mary. In the latter match, JHU was tied at the half and match the W&M team even though it was missing out on a couple of starters, but failed to score more than a couple of second half goals as the Tribe pulled off a close victory.
JHU then went on a four-game winning streak that culminated in the most thrilling of games against Brown. The Lady Jays won that game with under half a minute to spare in sudden-death overtime after being tied in regulation. The final sequence was one to be remembered for a long time. Brown won the draw control to kickoff overtime, but Hopkins kept the pressure till Brown was called for a shooting space violation. Being denied several earlier chances by the resilient Brown goalkeeper, junior Christy Peterson dished the ball off to Larrimore, who faked twice before drilling a shot to the cage.
The Lady Jays traded wins and losses for some time. The most unusual of streaks during this time was the four losses suffered at home. This was the first time in 18 years that JHU had lost that many games at the Homewood field. Coach Tucker wasn't too happy about the support at home games and the players weren't too appreciative of remarks that the loss could have something to do with artificial turf (Hopkins eventually finished 4-4 at home, 7-5 on artificial turf).
The Blue Jays faced eight Brine/IWLCA ranked teams in 2001 in an upgraded schedule. Hopkins lost the first six games against ranked teams raising many questions about a post-season bid. One of the losses included a 24-5 mauling at the hands of defending champions Maryland. The Blue Jays however rebounded by upsetting Yale and George Mason, two ranked teams, before losing to a ranked Cornell in its season finale. While the loss ended all hopes for a post-season appearance, the wins against Yale and George Mason were part of a streak that placed JHU back in contention for one.
The Lady Jays were led from the front by an awesome attacking unit. Tri-captain Erin Wellner completed her junior season atop the JHU leaderboard with 63 points, leading the team in assists (21) and ranking second in goals scored (42). The trio of Erin Wellner, Jamie Larrimore (44 goals), and Heidi Pearce (41 goals) combined to more than half of JHU's goals.
Larrimore was named to the 2001 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Association All-America Team, as a third team selection, becoming only the second Division I All-American in JHU women's lacrosse school history. Freshman Heidi Pierce was a pleasant surprise and revelation for all. Her stepping up to the plate at such a quick pace holds nothing but the best for the future of a developing Division I team.
Marlena Wittelsberger and Meghan Burnett backed up the offense with a combined total of 39 points. The Blue Jays had an effective and controlling midfield comprised of Katie Stevenson, Kate Gilland and Kate Barcomb. The backfield unit that constantly forced turnovers consisted of Lauren Carney, Caroline Miller, Shanu Kohli and Candice Smith. Rachel Krom and Liz Renaut added depth to the defense reserves. Hopkins was well served by an outstanding goalkeeper in Jen McDonald who started every game in the season, collecting 161 saves.
The Lady Jays had every right to be proud of their season, even though they looked capable of going much further. Lots of young players stepped up and the team showed great resiliency, enthusiasm, gut and chemistry. Every game highlighted these characteristics and the inherent skill and talent of individual members. Hopkins will look to build on the strengths of last season and along with new members in 2002, carve out a niche for itself in Division I.
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