With a veteran cast of talented performers returning this could be a breakthrough season for Mary Washington women's lacrosse, which has already enjoyed a rich tradition.

The 1990 MWC contingent may be the most talented in history, as evidenced by the return of two of the Eagles four All-Region players of 1989, attacker Suzy Baughman (Sr./Charlottesville, VA) and defender Liz Wheeler Jr./Burke, VA), and several other starting players from last year's 9-7team which just missed an ECAC Tournament berth. Wheeler and defense wing Vikki Lenhart Jr. /Chase City, VA) capped a fine season by representing MWC at the United States Women's Lacrosse Association National Tournament in New York this past May. The duo played on the South District's Fifth Team, coached by Eagles assistant Karren Mann. Baughman, meanwhile, has led the Eagles in scoring the past two seasons with 49 and 45 goals, respectively.

Joining Baughman among the "snipers" up front will be Gina Del Sordo (Jr./Richmond, VA), a 31-goal scorer a year ago, Sarah Perri (So./ Joppa, MD), who scored 20 goals as a freshman and Courtney Leonard Jr./Salem, MA), who chipped in with 15 goals in 1989. They'll try to ease the graduation loss of All- Region center Jennie Roak. Wheeler and Karen Richardson (So./ Annapolis, MD) anchor a strong defense, which looks to replace an outstanding leader in graduated All-American performer Mel Grant. Senior Jennifer Payne (Troy, VA) came on late last season to emerge as the Eagles top goaltender and provides leadership to the defensive unit. '

"Our defense was the key strength of our team this past year," said MWC head coach Beth Hollibaugh. "They played as a solid unit game after game and proved to be the edge against many of our tough opponents. We look for the same intensity and results this year, because we have some talented veterans returning."

A competitive slate includes eight home games, beginning March 22 against Salisbury State. The Eagles open their regular season March 20 at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

"We are looking forward to our 12-team preseason tournament at Hollins College and the spring break training trip to Florida ...those trips should get us ready for our regular season," said Hollibaugh. "These players are excited, and I think they're beginning to realize their potential. They were already talking about next season the day this past season ended."