The Names Fitz

Fitzpatrick, #31, in goal

Photo Courtesy of Caitlin Fitzpatrick

The Women's Lacrosse team knows how to score goals. Winning by an average of 13 goals this season, it just shows that their offense can get the job done. But what people forget is there has to be someone stopping the other team from scoring just as many goals and that's where Caitlin Fitzpatrick comes in.

Coming off an undefeated season and having a national championship to defend offers a hard task for the Lady Panthers and Fitzpatrick, also known around campus as Fitz. Defending a national championship may be hard, but as Fitz says, its a gold the team is determined to accomplish.

"Our goal for the season is to remain undefeated and win another national championship. Simple as that. We have had the idea instilled in us by the coaching staff that anything less than a national championship and our overall season is a failure."

Their is a big target on their back. There is a lot of pressure for them to preform every single game to the highest level possible and as Fitz points out back to back national championships has never been done before, and no opponent will let it come easy.

"We are the 'big game' on everyone's schedule. Who wouldnt want a chance to take out the defending champs? They are not just going to lay down and hand us a win- we have to fight for every groundball, faceoff possession, save, and goal. No one in Division II has won a women's lacrosse championship back to back- we hope to change that this year."

Starting in goal for the Panthers, Fitz's job is to make sure that for every goal they score, she stops a shoot from the other team. She seems to be doing this job pretty well, to say the least. Earning her second week honor this season, NE-10 Goalie of the Week, Fitz feels each one is special.

"Each one of theses awards is special. It forces me to work hard each and every game to continue playing at my best. There are a lot of good goalies in the NE-10 so I see each of them as an honor. The award also reflects how well the defense plays because they help force the attackers to where we want them to shoot from."

Finally, Fitz points out that none of this would be possible without their coach, who instills a great work ethic in his players.

"He knows when we are working at our highest level and trying hard or just 'going through the motions'- he is not afraid to call us out. We are taught that if you practice at a high level you will play at a high level."

With a great work ethic, great team chemistry, and one common goal-win another championship, it's no wonder he lacrosse team has been able to keep their streak alive and it doesn't seem to be ending any time soon. We just hope Fitz ties the correct shoe first, a game day ritual, because it's certainly working!