It's 6:30 p.m. and Franklin Field is deserted, save for a few runners. Suddenly a group of athletes explodes onto the field amidst shrills and cries of "Go Penn!" The Penn women's lacrosse team seems poised to have a breakout season.
After graduating six seniors from last year's disappointing sixth-place finish in the Ivy League, Penn has been dismissed by many as being just another stop for Princeton, Dartmouth and Yale on their ways to another NCAA Tournament appearance.
But this team views its youth as an attribute, not a hindrance. Coach Karin Brower's first recruiting class are now juniors, and this squad has adjusted to her fast-paced style of play.
"This is a totally different team than any other I have coached," Brower said. "We're faster, have a more balanced chemistry, and we have a number of people who can put the ball in the net."
The key to the Quakers' season will be their ability to play team lacrosse, as opposed to letting certain individuals do all the work. More passing, a balanced attack with movement and more people getting touches will greatly improve the number of goals scored by the Quakers this season.
"This team is really fast," Brower said. "One thing I would love is if the defense starts to hit attackers on fast breaks. Last year we relied too much on running with the ball. I want to start making those long passes instead."
Leading the Quakers this year will be the lone senior on the team, All-Ivy Captain Lindsey Cassidy. Last year, she led the Quakers in nearly every offensive category, but she is reserved about her new role as team leader.
"It's funny," Cassidy said. "Being the only senior, everyone wants to know how it feels to be a leader. But honestly, when you are out there with eleven other girls, you feel much more part of a team than an individual."
This weekend, the Quakers begin their season against perennial powerhouse Loyola (Md.). Although the Greyhounds were ranked No. 1 in the nation for much of last year, the Red and the Blue still feel that they have a strong chance going into the game.
"Loyola is a fast team and they should be very tough," Brower said. "We need to go out there with confidence and look to control the game. If we do that, then we can definitely win."
Starting for the Quakers this Saturday will be three freshmen, Karen Jann at defense, Caroline Finger at midfield and Chrissy Muller at attack. Although they are young, Brower is confident that the freshman starters have picked up Penn's style of play.
As the Quakers ready themselves for their season opener, there is an optimistic mood among the players.
"You know, this is the first game for both teams and the outcome is still up in the air," Cassidy said. "It's all going to depend on which team is ready to play. And let me tell you, we're ready to play."
