Seniors Help Propel Women's Lacrosse To Record-Setting Start In 2015

Bridgeport, Conn.-In only its fifth year at the varsity level, the University of Bridgeport women's lacrosse program is off to its best start and has achieved a number of firsts, only seven games into the season. In the team's first game, the Purple Knights recorded the squad's first-ever win over Roberts Wesleyan College in a thrilling 12-10 overtime victory. Since then UB has dominated the opposition outscoring them 108 to 57, while running off six more victories, including a pair of conference wins over Queens College and Mercy College.  This is the first time Bridgeport has recorded more than one conference win in a season. The Purple Knights can attribute much of their impressive 7-0 start to the determined leadership of the six seniors.

Five of the six seniors have started every game while accounting for 68 of 154 total points this season, which is 44 percent of the team's total offense. Gabrielle Valela (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) is leading the team in goals (29) and points (34), while fellow attacker Shealyn Scully (Huntington, N.Y.) is leading the team in assists (7) and second on the team in draw controls (21). Emily Catalano (North Babylon, N.Y.) is a contributor on both ends of the field as a midfielder filling the stat sheet with 10 goals, five assists, eight draw controls plus 10 groundballs. Anchoring the defense are Alexia Costa (Providence, RI) and Paige Adamsky (East Williston, N.Y.) with 14 and six groundballs respectively. Katie King (Paxton, Mass.) hasn't seen any action, but still remains an integral part of the team and positivity.

Valela has added to an already impressive resume. Coming into the season she was the all-time leader in Bridgeport's short history in goals, and points and continues to add to her career totals. Valela also currently ranks fourth in the East Coast Conference in goals and seven in points in only seven games while those ahead of her have played up to eleven games in the season already.

Valela and the rest of the seniors have harped on hard work and teamwork as the keys to success early on during 2015.  Valela stated, "I've never seen this team work so hard to maintain this goal. I've also never seen this team work together the way we have been." Catalano added, "I believe the key has been hard work. We have worked hard as a team from day one and it is really paying off." Adamsky echoed the same, "We have great chemistry as a team both on and off the field and this makes playing together an amazing experience. We are more than teammates; we are family."

The seniors have been with the program since its second year of existence, and they have certainly experienced some ups and downs. Costa stated, "We came in as Coach Smullen's first recruiting class, and immediately had to take somewhat of a leadership role on the field. It was very frustrating at times, but as the seasons went on we started to gel more." Catalano chimed in, "The transformation from freshman year to this year has been a wild one! I am so proud and honored to be a part of a senior class where everyone has never given up faith. Going from winning one or two games to being 7-0 has been an incredible journey. Every team has to start somewhere, and I am so happy to be a part of a team that has never given up." Valela honors all who have been a part of the program for the success this season. "We all built this team into what it is today."

With nine games left in their last regular season, the seniors hope they have made a lasting impact on the program. "I hope that I've instilled positivity, hard work and a 'never give up attitude' to this team. Cherish your time as an athlete! Work hard every single practice and game because one day it will be over and you can't take anything back," stated Catalano. Costa echoed, "Stay positive and focused, and to play every game like it's your last." Adamsky added, "I think the biggest thing I, along with my fellow seniors, would like to instill in the younger players is the importance of working together.  Lacrosse is a team sport and when one person falls, we all need to be there to pick them up.  I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of my teammates and they will certainly be the biggest component I'll miss next year." The seniors and the rest of the Purple Knights are not finished with their record-breaking season yet, as they still have over half of their season left. There is no telling where this team can go.

On Wednesday, April 1, Bridgeport will face fellow East Coast Conference member LIU Post looking to continue their success and gain another conference win. It will be a major test for the UB as the Pioneers are 7-2 overall and 3-0 in conference action and have captured four national titles, but the Purple Knights are used to defying the odds so far this season.

Story contributed by Taylor Bastien