Women's lacrosse players, old and new, meet for alumnae game

By Andrew Prezioso

Collegian Staff

The University of Richmond women's lacrosse team's game versus Richmond alumnae gave the current players a chance to prepare for the coming year while looking back at their recent success.

"I am just so proud that we built a tradition of winning and respect at the University of Richmond," said Richmond coach Sue Murphy.

The current Spiders won the game by a score of 12-3. But neither the score nor the rain could take away the fun the alumnae team was having.

"It feels like coming home to see your family," said Mary Colleen Buettner, who graduated in 2007. "[The best part] was coming back to see friends."

The final score may indicate that the current Spiders controlled the game, but Murphy believes the opposite was true.

"[The alumnae] were great," Murphy said. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for them as people.

"This is a group that built us to a top-10 team. Even if they aren't in lacrosse shape, they still have the knowledge and experience to play at a high level."

The game also helped Richmond look forward to the season. The scrimmage provided the team an opportunity to establish an identity before the season starts in the spring, particularly with their starting and bench players, Murphy said.

The current players have the potential to duplicate the feats that the alumnae accomplished during their playing careers.

"They are young but really athletic," said Christina D'Angelo, class of 2007. "It's going to be a good

year for them."

The start time of the game was delayed for 20 minutes as the two teams greeted each other and posed for a group picture. The game that ensued was played with that same sense of companionship that the two teams exhibited during the pre-game festivities.

"[It was great] getting to play again with my team," D'Angelo said.

Contact reporter Andrew Prezioso at andrew.prezioso@richmond.edu