Division I

Women's Lacrosse Preview

Division I

Johns Hopkins

2000 record: 12-6

Coach: Janine Tucker (eighth season, 90-26)

Conference: Independent

Top returning point-getter: Jamie Larrimore (59 goals, 10 assists).

Also back: Erin Wellner, junior A; Meghan Burnett, sophomore A; Erinn Dennis, junior M; Christy Peterson, sophomore M; Shanu Kohli, junior D; Candice Smith, senior D; Caroline Miller, junior D; Jen McDonald, sophomore G.

Key additions: Marlena Wittelsberger, freshman A (Dulaney); Heidi Pearce, freshman M.

Sun's take: The Blue Jays have been slowly but steadily climbing in Division I since they moved up in 1999. Last year, they finished the season ranked No. 16 and, with eight returning starters, are looking to build on that despite a tougher schedule. "Having some of the top teams in the country on your schedule on a consistent basis only helps you as a developing Division I team," said Tucker. "This is the type of schedule that can get us into the tournament if we perform well." The Blue Jays have a big hole to fill on attack after graduating third-team All-American Danielle Maschuci (59, 13). However, three of the top five scorers return in Larrimore (59, 10), Wellner (36, 29) and Dennis (25, 5). Kohli, Smith and Miller anchor a veteran defense, with McDonald taking over in the goal after the graduation of Sara Love.

Loyola

2000 record: 16-5 (NCAA semifinalist)

Coach: Diane Geppi-Aikens (13th season, 150-60)

Conference: Colonial Athletic

Top returning point-getter: Stacy Morlang, junior A (65, 17).

Also back: Tricia Dabrowski, junior G; Jen Testrake, senior A; Megan Santacroce, senior A; Lauren Peck, sophomore A; Krissy Warnock, junior A; Danielle Battersby, senior A; Christy McNew, sophomore A; Suzanne Eyler, junior M; Jen Albright, sophomore M; Susan Tyrrell, sophomore M; Kristin Hagert, senior D; Dana Cappello, senior D; Marianne Gioffre, junior D; Kate Hardesty, sophomore D.

Key additions: Jen Schuerholz, freshman, A (Fallston); Jackie Barrone, freshman M; Kristi Korrow, freshman M (Mercy).