Princeton, NJ — St. Lawrence University won the 2014 Most Improved Team Award.
The Most Improved Team Award is based on both the number of spots a team has improved in the rankings as well as the strength of the opponents they have surpassed. This award was first presented in 2010. This year’s award was presented at the 2014 Women’s National Team Championships, which were hosted by Princeton University.
At the conclusion of the 2012 – 2013 season, St. Lawrence was ranked 27th in the nation. With the graduation of only two seniors and the addition of four new players, the Saints were ready for the 2013 – 2014 season. They began the year ranked 26th and improved throughout the season.
St. Lawrence faced William Smith to open the season. In the 2013 National Team Championships, the Herons defeated the Saints, but the 9-0 victory to open the season proved St. Lawrence had their sights set on a higher ranking. They also earned 5-4 regular season victories over Bowdoin and Wesleyan to move St. Lawrence to the 19th ranking position entering the 2014 National Team Championships.
During the 2014 National Team Championships, the Saints opened the tournament with a 7-2 victory over Wellesley, followed by a loss to Franklin & Marshall. St. Lawrence fell just short in their rematch with Bowdoin, losing 4-5, to conclude the season ranked 20th.
The 2013-2014 St. Lawrence team was led by head coach Chris Abplanalp, assistant coach Pamela Larromana, and co-captains Brittany Coxe and Carolyn Fisher.
This is the first time St. Lawrence has won the Most Improved Team Award.
