Women's Lacrosse Excited To Host AIC In First Season Home Opener

Official Athletic Site of the Adelphi University Panthers

Panthers are ready to create new memories on brand new field.

	Printer-Friendly Format Junior Caitlin Fitzpatrick is looking forward to manning the goal on the new Adelphi field.

Feb. 27, 2009

Garden City, N.Y. - The Adelphi University women's lacrosse team's season home-opener vs. American International College this Sunday will be the first time the Panthers will take to their new field after a year of playing off campus.

While they have had the opportunity to practice on the all-weather turf in the new Outdoor Sports Complex, this weekend's contest will be the first official game. The younger players have never known what is was like to compete on Stiles Field or even the travel back and forth to Hofstra last season, but the upperclassmen know all to well what it means to be displaced. "We were nomads last year," junior goalkeeper Caitlin Fitzpatrick stated. "We were often teased [by other lacrosse players] for being homeless."

While the Panthers did host all their games in the updated Hofstra arena, it lacked the coziness of a home field advantage. "It will be nice to get off the road and have home field advantage," senior Nicole Lein said. "We are looking forward to great crowds.

The Outdoor Sports Complex can accomodate 1,200 fans and the Panthers are looking forward to filling that space. "We have a lot of night games this year which will allow our parents to make it to the games," senior Christina Kozakiewicz explained. "We will also get more support from other teams on campus who couldn't make the drive to Hofstra or had practice during our games."

The all-weather turf has also provided a welcome change from playing on Stiles Field, where the Panthers were at the mercy of the weather. "The ball moves a lot faster than on the grass," senior Rachel Ray said. "It's really enjoyable to play on the new field."

With a #2 national ranking and a solid 1-0 start to the season, the Panthers are looking forward to many more wins on the new field. After being away last season, their schedule includes nine home games. "As seniors, this will be our last home opener and playing on the new field will be exiting", Ray added.

Adelphi will take on the AIC Yellowjackets this Sunday, March 1, at 1:00 p.m.