Once again one of the most successful programs at the University of Mary Washington in 2004, the women's lacrosse team strengthened its position as one of the top CAA Division III programs in the nation. The Eagles, who lost two starters from the 2003 team that advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals. again played one of the most difficult schedules in the nation, playing seven games against teams ranked in the top ten nationally.
The women's lacrosse program at Mary Washington has in the course of the past six seasons evolved into one of the best in the nation among Division III, developing a winning tradition that has resulted in four NCAA Tournament appearances, and two straight Final Fours. Since 1999, the Eagles have won 73 games, the most in any six-year stretch in school history, and lost just 30 games, good for a .709 winning percentage, among the best in the nation. UMW has also been successful once it reaches the NCAA Tournament, winning six of ten games in its four appearances in the national championship tournament.
During this period, the Eagles have broken nearly every school record. including team records for wins, winning percentage, longest win streak, scoring offense, defense, and achieving top-eight rankings after each of the past four seasons. UMW has been ranked nationally in both offense and defense nearly every year. ranking in the top ten in ground balls and caused turnovers after the 2002 season, and leading the nation in caused turnovers in 2003.
Individually. UMW players have shattered every school record in the current era, and have been recognized on the national scene like never before. Since 1999, ten different Eagles have earned All-America status, including Bridget Geiman, the school's all-time leading scorer, who was a three time All-America selection: Briana Gervat, a two-time All-America selection; and Kate Weller, the 360 Lacrosse.corn National Defender of the Year in 2001.
Following the 2003 season, defender Mel Block was named as the NCAA Division III National Defender of the Year, and repeated that honor in '04 en route to NCAA Woman of the Year finalist honors. Eagle players have been honored with numerous regional and conference accolades as well. Coach Dana Hall has received attention on the grandest scale. being named the NCAA Division III aiional Coach of the Year by 360 Lacrosse.com after leading UMW to the national semifinals in 2001.