MICHELLE HALE
Assistant Sports Editor
Fredonia’s women’s lacrosse team has had great success in its past few seasons. Two constant names are the highlight of the team’s offensive side: seniors Katie Kleine and Marissa Cussins.
The unstoppable duo holds one of the top ten spots in each record for statistics. Whether it be most goals scored, ground balls won, most assists — you will see Kleine and Cussins’ names up there in the top five.
With a season beginning with record of 4-1, they have one main goal that they are keeping in mind: winning SUNYACs and getting into the tournament due to the SUNYAC title.
“Katie and Marissa have been big role models for us,” said junior Jessica Tuttle. “They have helped me with my confidence and how to become a leader myself.”
Fredonia’s offense depends on the Kleine-Cussins dynamic to carry the Blue Devils into success. Within the past three games the Blue Devils have played down in Florida, Kleine and Cussins tally up 21 of the 39 goals scored and 16 out of 17 assists.
With such a huge impact on the scoring end, Fredonia is almost unstoppable when Kleine and Cussins set foot on the field. But is there more pressure added to them knowing that they are heavily relied on by the team?
“I think everyone has high expectations for us, and it puts more pressure on us,” said Kleine. “It’s not going to be easy, but we are hoping to meet those expectations.”
With two NCAA tournament appearances and many trips to SUNYACs under their belt of experience, these two seniors know exactly what it takes to make a season successful.
“There’s always pressure. We also trust each other and know that if we’re not at our best, our teammates are right there to help us out,” said Cussins.
Cussins currently has the record for second highest all-time goals scored in Blue Devil history with 151, and third for points scored with 183. Kleine is number two for points scored with 205, and second for assists with 84. Both of these Blue Devils players are caught behind the same person in every record they hold — their coach, Amy Simon.
With SUNYAC play just around the corner, the Blue Devils completed their southern trip to Florida and all but two non-conference games to prepare for the tough schedule ahead.
“My mindset is to strictly focus,” said Cussins. “I’m going to make sure I’m focused, and my teammates are focused, because it’s that important.”
The Blue Devils returned from Florida in their Spring Fling trip 3-0. They defeated Roger Williams University 9-7, Rowan University 14-8 and St. Lawrence University 16-5.
On Sunday, the Blue Devils defeated Montclair State with a score of 12-5. Once again, Kleine and Cussins led the scoring for the Blue Devils. Cussins scored five of the 12 goals with one assist, and Kleine scored one goal with three assists. Other Fredonia goals were scored by junior Katie Miller (2), sophomore Emily Polizzi (2), senior Katie Glagolev and freshman Audrey Yokopovich.
“Our hard work is really starting to show in our performance,” said junior defender Jessica Tuttle. “We had a great week in Florida and a great first home game. We hope to continue this momentum and intensity into conference play this weekend.”
Fredonia travels to St. John Fisher College on Tuesday and then will begin SUNYAC conference play on Saturday in Cortland.