Lady Daler Lacrosse. Those three words speak volumes. Every game is non-stop action from the opening face-off straight through to the final whistle. There's defensive tenacity covering every inch of the field. There's offensive power as the ball moves swiftly to the open girl. There's goal tending that you'd have to see to believe. OK, we're talking Lady Daler Lacrosse.

Varsity Coaches Weiner, Campbell and Zimmer have been rather impressed with the 2004 squad. "This may be the most cohesive unit we have had in a long time," they mentioned. "There's a good balance of young and old." The coaches have taught a lot of new strategy, especially defense because of last year's graduating players. The girls have great physical skills and now they want them to have a mental and strategic edge, as well. There has been a great deal of leadership from the veteran players. Progress has been made in numerous areas. Team members participated in the F-A-S-T Edge pre-season training camp where Phil Fandale from Plainview Physical Fitness and the high school athletic trainers took the girls through a grueling month of cardiovascular and strength endurance workouts. The results were evident as the team was in their best shape as the season began. The coaches agree ... girl's lacrosse is a running game. They put in an incredible amount of time at camps and on summer teams to improve all the necessary skills. "Hopefully, the girls can rely on past experience, not only in lacrosse, but as participants from many of the other sports," mentioned the coaches. "We had many girls who played in the county final for soccer and semi-finals for basketball along with cross country and track athletes." True to the definition, these girls are the ultimate in student-athletes.

This year's team consists of graduating seniors Diana Beltrani, Lauren Cohen, Meghan Fanning, Katie Hogan, Jamie Laudage, Jessica Patane, Christina Tinney and Lorraine Quinn. Junior players include Megan Birch, Jessica Carvo, Jenna Celano, Gina DiMeglio, Vicky Fanslow, Nicole Getzelman, Samantha Lyons, Alyssa LoPresti and Stacy McPartland. Sophomore's Megan Hardgrove, Nicole Juray, Kian Lyons, Erika Masci, Kim Miller, Denise Mulhall and freshmen Jenna Block and Jillian Cerrar round out the squad.

Jamie has been the heart and soul of the Lady Daler's Lacrosse team throughout the 2004 season. Her experience and work ethic have been recognized as a major contribution to the overall success of the team. Her interest in the sport began at the Howitt Middle School. She had watched her sister play and was encouraged by her mom to "give it a shot." Luckily, she did. She has brought a unique perspective to the game. "Every time I go to practice, I always try to bring a positive attitude," she said. "I work as hard as I can to improve. I never give up." That has translated to a great number of victories, on and off the field. In the high school, Jamie is taking courses such as Advanced Foods and Child Lab. "Both are a lot of fun because they're two things I like to do," she commented. "Cook and work with kids." She is also involved on the extra-curricular scene with quite a bit going on. She participates in Student Government, SAC and the Student Council. She also plays varsity soccer and is a member of the Winter Track team. She enjoys any chance to travel and always looks forward to being with her friends. Her immediate plans after graduation are to attend college with her sights set on becoming a Home Economics teacher. There's an outside chance she might "audition for Road Rules and/or Real World" just to see what happens. Jamie has taken the opportunity at hand on the lacrosse field. "I've worked very hard to improve my all-around game, become a better athlete and understand the game," she spoke. "Every time I step on that field, it's a learning experience." As a starter this year, she has realized "that hard work pays off." Jamie Laudage has earned her rightful place in Farmingdale High School Lady Daler history as a student-athlete who contributes positively in everything she does.

Coach's Corner: Jamie took the off-season to move from a reserve to a starting defender. Her never quit attitude permeates throughout the team.

Stacey has gone above and beyond the call in becoming an integral part of the success of the Lady Daler's Lacrosse team during this 2004 spring season. She has added another dimension to the already powerful team. She took interest in the sport as a 6th grader and has been playing ever since. As a member of the Long Island Yellow Jackets summer-travel team, she gets in all the playing time she possibly can. "They definitely helped me 'up' in my game," she mentioned. Stacey concentrates on the educational side of the house, as well. She finds English most intriguing. "I enjoy reading and writing," she said. "Most of the novels we read are entertaining." She finds the challenge of mathematics quite tempting. "I like numbers and it comes natural to me." She is active in the varsity leader's club and is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. She's played two years on varsity soccer and has competed for five years on the varsity gymnastic team. For relaxation, Stacey hits the beach in the summer, but enjoys shopping all year round. Spending time with friends is most important to her. She's helped coach two girl's lacrosse teams for the PAL and has taught religion class at Maria Regina. Stacey has helped ring the bell for the Salvation Army and participated in walks for the American Heart Association and Breast Cancer Awareness. She'll graduate with the Class of 2005 and intends to move on to college where she'll major in business advertising and design. Stacey will use what she has learned in the classroom and on the lacrosse field. "I am a hard worker who is determined to do my best," she stated. "I have dedication and I always try to keep an optimistic attitude." She takes her game to the next level by working on the little things that matter in a closely contested game. She has worked on her endurance by running more on her own and participating in the preseason speed camp. Her stick skills are continually improving. "I always practice on the wall or shoot on the net in my backyard." Stacey has made all the necessary adjustments in becoming another prominent Lady Daler for Farmingdale High School and the local community.

Coach's Corner: Stacey took the off-season to truly blossom into a great offensive threat. Her speed skills and attitude will make it difficult for any opponent to win the battle of the midfield.

Vicki continues to amaze the Lady Daler Lax faithful with her all around talents on the lacrosse field, in the classroom and within the community. She has been nothing short of spectacular in so many ways. In her eighth year playing lacrosse (3 years on varsity) she credits many of the coaches who have helped her along, particularly Mike Lauterborn. "He was my first PAL coach and always supported me as a player," she said. Scholastically, Vicki thrives on all subjects, but cites science as a favorite. In addition, she takes to math. "It's interesting because it can present a problem in many different perspectives but always with one definite answer." Vicki has lettered in winter track and tennis. She belongs to the Varsity Leader's Club, the Key Club and the National Honor Society as well as the Spanish Honor Society. These connections have afforded her the chance to volunteer at blood drives, work field day and participate in cancer walks and heart walks to raise money. Vicki manages to keep busy during the summer months. She has an internship at a neuroscience lab under the direction of Dr. Milner and the Cornell Medical College. She will complete here project of long term effects of certain substances on the brain. Her post high school plans are under consideration in connection with this endeavor. "I'm looking to go to college and hopefully continue playing lacrosse," she stated. "I want to study medicine and eventually become a surgeon." Vicki is the ultimate team player and comes prepared to play. "I try to always work hard and hope other people follow my example," she said. "I enjoy practices and games and I think that my passion for the game helps encourage other players." She constantly works to improve her skills. "This year, I have concentrated on improving my endurance," she mentioned. She realized that running track "taught me to push myself more than I have before." On a final note, Vicki has acknowledged the support she has received from the Lady Daler coaching staff, particularly from the defensive coach, Ms. Campbell. "She has been there for me and believing in me, even when I begin to doubt myself," Vicki noted. "Her commitment to the Lady Dalers is unmatched and she continuously works to find ways to improve our team. We would not be half as successful as we are without her." This is one Lady Daler, with wisdom well beyond her years, who has set goals and works hard in achieving them.

Coach's Corner: Victoria is a brilliant girl who brings incredible competitiveness and desire. Her hard work and how she plays through pain trickles down to her teammates. She is an integral part of our defense as well as a midfielder who is able to cross over to the offensive end of the field.