WATERVILLE, ME- #2 Thomas College (10-4, 5-1 NAC) will travel to Castleton to play #6 Husson (4-9, 1-5 NAC) in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) women's lacrosse semifinal at 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 27.
How they got here:
Thomas enters the NAC tournament winning their last five games, which were all conference contests.
Husson comes into the postseason off of an upset against the third seed, Colby-Sawyer College. The Eagles beat the chargers in a 12-11 contest. Previous to their last playoff game, Husson was coming off of a 0-5 record, to give them the sixth seed in the NAC playoffs.
The last time the two met:
On Wednesday, April 17th, Thomas was able to secure the win of 18-10 on the road at Husson.
Historically speaking:
Thomas and Husson have had competitive matchups the past few years. The Terriers won the matchup in 2012 outscoring the Eagles 15-8. However the year prior to that Husson was the team with the upper hand, giving the Terriers an 11-10 loss.
Coaches Corner:
Head Coach Lauren Bickford is now in her third season at Thomas. Recently, Bickford has been named Coach of the Year for the 2013 women's lacrosse season. Bickford guided the Terriers to the North Atlantic Championship game her first year coaching. Bickford is assisted by Thomas Alumni Megan Denby, and Terissa Ridge. Denby is in her second season as an assistant coach for the Thomas program, where Ridge is experiencing her first year.
Husson Head Coach Jen Johnstone, is in her second season leading the Husson University lacrosse team. Johnstone is assisted by Sinead McSharry, who is entering her first year as an assistant coach for the Husson women's lacrosse team.
Who to watch:
Thomas' offense is led by junior Miranda Tinsman, who has totaled 38 goals this season. Senior Ceara Dibiase and junior Jennifer Day are also key contributors to the Terriers offense. Dibiase and Day are tied for second on the team for goals with 37 and both are front-runners in assists. Day leads with 16 on the season and Dibiase is not far behind with 12.
Defensively, freshman goalie Brittany Fox has be crucial in the Terriers success. Fox is ranked fourth in the NAC for saves, recording 106 saves on the season with a 40.2 save percentage.
Husson has been directed by junior midfielder Caitlyn Stauffer. Stauffer leads the Eagles in goals (25) and points (29) this season. Freshman Alissa Fallon has contributed this season for Husson leading the team with 8 assists.
In goal, senior Chelsea Kondratowicz is right behind Thomas goalie, Fox, in the NAC statistics leader board with 101 saves this season. Kondratowicz has earned a save percentage of 33.8 for Husson University this season.
