Pacers Picked Fourth in CSAC Women's Lacrosse Coaches Poll
Ashley Cavellier returns to the defense after taking the Pacers to two consecutive CSAC final appearances

Pacers Picked Fourth in CSAC Women's Lacrosse Coaches Poll

Women's Lacrosse - 2/19/2014 2:21:00 PM

Aston, PA - Marywood University was picked to finish fourth in the Colonial States Athletic Conference women's lacrosse preseason poll, conference officials announced Wednesday. The Pacers received 40 points after finishing 7-9 overall with a 6-2 record in 2013. 

Two-time defending CSAC women's lacrosse champion Cabrini College has been picked to repeat in 2014. The Cavaliers, coached by Jackie Neary, garnered seven of a possible nine first-place votes, and 63 points total, to finish ahead of second-place Neumann University, which received two first-place votes and 54 points total. 
 
"We are honored to be recognized by the other coaches in the CSAC," said Neary. "Our student-athletes have been working very hard to prepare for another extremely tough conference season. We hope we can remain worthy of the recognition as the season progresses."

Marywood returns its top five point-scorers from last season. Kimberly Commisso eyes her third straight CSAC First Team selection after a 2013 campaign that saw 51 goals and 63 points. Commisso currently holds the NCAA record for most groundballs (17) in a single game. Sarah Caughy, a second team CSAC selection. needs one assist to break Diana D'Achille's career assists record. Kathy DiGiacomo returns to the lineup after being named to the CSAC second team last season. 

The Pacers look to return to the CSAC championship after two consecutive appearances in 2011 and 2012. Ashley Cavellier suits up after missing last year to a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Marywood will look to newcomers Natalie Burke, Jennifer Newins and Lauren Smith for added support. 
 
Following Cabrini and Neumann, Immaculata University was tabbed third, receiving 42 points, with Marywood fourth (40) and Centenary College fifth (34). Gwynedd Mercy University finished sixth (32 points), followed by Notre Dame of Maryland University seventh (30), Cedar Crest College eighth (18) and Rosemont College ninth (11).
 
The Cavaliers made a perfect run through their 2013 CSAC slate, posting an 8-0 mark in league games and finished with an 11-8 overall record. Top-seeded Cabrini bested fourth-seeded Immaculata University, 21-8 in the semifinals, and second-seeded Neumann, 22-11 in the championship game to earn the league's automatic berth to the NCAA tournament. Cabrini fell to eventual national champion Salisbury University, 21-1, in an NCAA tournament first round matchup.
 
Marywood opens its season Saturday at Arcadia University, weather permitted. The Pacers have two home contests on their schedule next week. First-year coach Katie Tutak makes her home debut Tuesday against Hartwick College at 5:00 pm before hosting Mount Saint Mary (N.Y.) College Thursday at 4:00 pm.

2014 CSAC Women's Lacrosse Preseason Poll

School 2013 Overall 2013 CSAC Points (1st pl.)
1. Cabrini College 11-8 8-0 63 (7)
2. Neumann University 14-6 7-1 54 (2)
3. Immaculata University 11-7 5-3 42
4. Marywood University 7-9 6-2 40
5. Centenary College 5-10 3-5 34
6. Gwynedd Mercy University 3-13 2-6 32
7. Notre Dame of Maryland University 8-7 4-4 30
8. Cedar Crest College 2-11 1-7 18
9. Rosemont College 0-14 0-8 11

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