W. Lax opens season tonight

When the middle of March rolls around, and sports enthusiasts are looking for something besides basketball to quench their thirst, other sports are certainly available. Want an example? Tonight (7 p.m., Franklin Field) the Penn women's lacrosse team opens its season against rival Villanova. The 'Cats (1-0) come to West Philly just days after the Quakers completed a successful spring break training program in Florida. "We were training for the season down in Florida," Penn coach Anne Sage said. "I was impressed by what was accomplished, and I'm hoping for a good start to this season." The Quakers are hoping to implement a team concept this year so leadership can filter down and result in success. Tri-captains Missy Hecht, Franny Maguire and Sabrina Walheim, the team's only seniors, form the core, but Sage is counting on a solid effort from all her players. "We hope to have leadership from everyone on the team," Sage said. "We're not just going to count on the seniors. We've got experienced talent on this team, and that should help everyone get comfortable with one another." The Quakers finished last season on a high note, emerging victorious in five of their last nine contests to finish 6-9. They hope to continue that success as they progress into the 1994 campaign. "We want to improve on last season," Sage said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to continue the way we ended last season, when we were winning some games." There are 14 new Quaker faces this season, but attackman Amy Tarr and midfielder Curran Kelly are the only freshmen to crack Sage's opening day lineup. Sage is hoping the experience of the remaining players will filter down to those new Quakers to add depth to her potent lineup. "We're going to need everyone to step up this season," Sage said. "The younger guys will have to learn quickly for us to have success." There is a senior captain at every end of the field: Hecht runs the defense, while Maguire and Walheim will run the carpet at the midfield position. The attack will be anchored by junior standouts Lori Frutkin and Katie Burg. The Wildcats are led by senior captains Caroline Walsh and Elena Rawson, both of whom star on defense. The Quakers will look to get off to a good start and be the first team to blemish Villanova's 1994 record. "I'm anticipating a good start to this season," Sage said. "We got a lot accomplished over spring break and we are ready to play." They'd better be. Because sports fans will be watching for the Penn women's lacrosse team to fill the boring void between Selection Sunday and the commencement of the Madness.