Higgins, Walker lead W. Lax vs. West Chester

Quaker host Golden Rams tonight at Franklin Field Once you have been hallmates, roommates, teammates and close friends, and finally end up playing the same position, familiarity becomes second nature. Seniors Mandy Higgins and Christine Walker of the Penn women's lacrosse team are the only two upperclass defenders on a Quakers squad looking to establish its footing amongst the stiffest competition in the nation. Tonight Higgins, Walker and the rest of the Red and Blue face West Chester at 7 p.m. at Franklin Field. Katie Burg has played with both Higgins and Walker for four years and feels the combined efforts of the defenders greatly aid the Quakers squad. "They are defensive superstars," Burg said. "They play well together and show great intensity." Both Higgins and Walker were forced to learn all about Ivy League-caliber lacrosse early on, playing major minutes as freshmen. Higgins has developed into a quiet, aggressive leader, leading the team by example through expert handling of one-on-one situations and clutch interceptions that counter an opponent's attack. Having played defense for four years, Higgins helps lead a defense comprised of all freshmen and sophomores, making her leadership off the field nearly as important as her contributions on it. "Mandy shows amazing intensity no matter what happens," midfielder Caroline Chen said. "She is a quiet player with great speed and the ability to both stick-check and mark her man." While Higgins has played defense from her freshman year, Walker made the switch from midfielder to defense her junior year. It is seemingly a difficult move, but Walker appears to have made the transition with ease. "Christine is a smart player who takes away passing lanes," goalie Alexis Seth said. "She has the natural ability to watch things progress and prevent us from being trapped." Walker is a consistent player who helps provide a defensive foundation for the Red and Blue by using her height to help defend against oncoming attackers. "Both are tenacious and consistent defenders," Penn coach Anne Sage said. "The are committed and loyal, working hard in practice and in competition. They have always been solid performers. They complement each other nicely." Higgins and Walker, both natives of the Keystone State, have been tight for all four of their years at Penn -- hallmates for their first two years and roommates for the last two. Playing and living together has kept the two close. "We were both thrown on the field as freshmen and have both done a lot of growing," Walker said. "We have seen the team's attitude change from indifference when we were freshmen to enthusiasm now." Higgins agreed. "Since we've been so close for so long, we understand each other and where we come from," she said. Seth summed up the team's feeling on Higgins and Walker. "They are invaluable," Seth said. "They provide maturity and stability and they have turned from my babysitters as a freshman to my friends and colleagues now. They create a team feeling by providing warmth, character and maturity."