March 12, 2004

NORFOLK, VA -- After defeating the American Eagles, 15-8, to open the 2004 season, the Old Dominion women's lacrosse team returns to its home turf in its home opener on Saturday afternoon when they take on the Retrievers of UMBC at 1:00 p.m.

UMBC enters the contest with an 0-3 overall home after hosting #2 Duke, #4 Loyola, and #13 North Carolina. Saturday's game will be the first road trip for the Retrievers this season.

The Lady Monarchs hold an 14-1 edge over UMBC in the all-time series. Last season, Lady Monarch attacker Janine Rodriguez (Davidsonville, MD) exploded for six goals and two assists to lead the Old Dominion women's lacrosse team to a 13-10 win over UMBC. Goalkeeper Michelle Gannon (Delmar, MD) made 11 saves in the winning effort. Attacker Melody Shotwell (Fairfax Station, VA) poured in four goals, while co-captain Marlaine Smith (Gaithersburg, MD) and Molly Coane (Bayshore, NY) each captured a goal and an assist.

In other lacrosse news at the University, Old Dominion senior midfield Suzanne Wosczyna (Phoenixville, PA) was named the CAA Co-Player of the Week. Wosczyna, the NCAA leader in points and goals per game last season, picked up right where she left off with seven goals and two assists in ODU's season-opening win over American. The senior totaled nine points, to go along with three ground balls, two draw controls and two caused turnovers.