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UCSB At Top of National Poll For Third Straight Week

Apr. 8, 2009

Baltimore, MD - Top ranked UCSB women's lacrosse stayed on top this week, receiving 13 of 15 first place votes in the WDIA National Top 25 Poll released today. It is the third straight week the Gauchos have enjoyed the top spot in the poll. UCSB has been ranked 5th or higher since the first poll was released on February 18th. Despite a few hiccups as 12 new faces were integrated into the lineup, including 7 freshmen and 5 reserves from last year, the Gauchos have enjoyed some sovereignty since February 15th. UCSB has 9 straight wins since an 8-9 overtime setback at the hands of 10th ranked Georgia that day. The Gauchos are now 14-2 overall and 12-2 against ranked teams. UCSB hosts unranked USC on Saturday in a 1pm game that is the final game of the regular season for both teams.

"It's amazing how well everyone has taken to what we're teaching and what UCSB lacrosse is all about," says second year head coach Paul Ramsey about the new players stepping into some big roles left vacant by three graduated WDIA All-Americans.

Indeed. When All-Americans Kristen Dickey, Kristyn Gherardi and Emily Ruby graduated, along with  the departure of possible returning players Michelle Davis, Megan Puckett and Kelsey Seitz, away went 235 points of offense. Gherardi's departure also meant the source of 71 caused turnovers, 61 ground balls and 37 draw controls went away as well.

"Over the summer I was preparing myself mentally to find ways to coax the team all year toward building something for a run at the play-offs at the end of the season," added Ramsey. "What I saw during Fall Ball changed that for me, and very quickly."

Ramsey saw tremendous hustle and effort along with a willingness to be coached that all of a sudden gave the 12 new faces immediate potential and not just long term potential. When three key starters and a reserve returned from Fall Abroad it became even more apparent this was not going to be a rebuilding year. Instead the Gauchos had reloaded.

"I am somewhat chagrined about my summer trepidations," finished Ramsey. "I was saying to myself 'okay it will be baby steps' but that's an expect less get less scenario versus an expect more get more scenario."

UCSB is certainly now expecting more and everyone has set the bar high.