1995 IVY LEAGUE W. LAX STANDINGS: Lauren Mitchell leads surging W. Lax up against Lafayette

Finding all the ingredients of a lacrosse midfielder is no easy task. The recipe demands large doses of versatility and persistence. Heaps of defensive awareness and a scoop of offensive prowess are vital to the mix. Stir in passing skills and conditioning and throw it on the field, hoping experience and playing time will add the perfect seasoning. Coach Anne Sage of the Penn women's lacrosse team has found her perfect blend of midfielder in senior Lauren Mitchell. Mitchell and the Red and Blue (3-7) head to Lafayette to face the Leopards today at 3 p.m. "Lauren is consistent hard worker," Sage said. "She enjoys the game of lacrosse and demonstrates a high level of persistence." Dedication to her craft has helped Mitchell, a Medford, N.J., native, work her way up the rungs of the lacrosse ladder. "She is the heart of the midfield," teammate Amy Tarr said. "She is a great hustler who comes prepared to work every day and helps not only herself, but her teammates as well." After making the traveling squad freshman year, Mitchell watched her playing time significantly increase sophomore year and has started for the last two years. Playing midfielder is difficult because it demands both offensive and defensive skills. According to defender Mandy Higgins, Mitchell possesses both. "Lauren is an aggressive midfielder," Higgins said. "She is essential because you can count on her on either end of the field. She is a good defensive player with excellent attack skills." Mitchell's versatility, dedication and transition skills were cited by many as outstanding attributes. "Lauren adds a lot to the team and the team loves her," attacker Lori Frutkin said. "Her work ethic and intensity help her do an excellent job." As they head into their final two games, today against Lafayette and Wednesday versus Rutgers, the Quakers are looking to maintain the intensity from the last two games, a close loss to No. 2 Princeton and a win over Brown, and hope to come out strong against Lafayette. "I can't wait for the game," Frutkin said. "If we can keep the same level of confidence as we did against Brown, reducing turnovers and controlling the midfield, it should be a good game." Midfield control is an aspect of the game Mitchell can capably handle. "With the positive attitude of Lauren and the rest of the team we should be able to attain the win against Lafayette," teammate Sue Pierce said. Mitchell summed up her four years of Penn lacrosse, and the emotions she will carry from her experience. "Four years here has been quite an experience," Mitchell said. "Lacrosse has let me meet exceptional people, play with great teammates and find best friends. I will take away memories of top-notch teams and top-notch teammates."