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Thursday, January 30, 1997

CLUB:

Rookies vital for improvements, victory in upcoming seasonBy Rocky Salmon

Daily Bruin Contributor

The women's lacrosse team has experienced a changing of identity.

A strong class of freshmen and a total of 17 newcomers will join forces this year in an effort to replace the holes left with the departure of a strong contingent of graduating players.

With a rejuvenated squad, the youngsters are looking to improve upon the 4-4 record and first-round playoff ouster of a year ago.

"After last year many of our veterans left, either because of time constraints or graduation," junior captain Amy Fujimoto said. "We definitely have a lot of new rookies out there. But with them comes a lot of enthusiasm."

Leigh Moscrip and Jenny Murphy are freshman standouts who are expected to contribute immediately in the Bruins' search for a league title.

However, the team is not completely lacking veteran leadership. Returning players include juniors Cassie Craun, Alina Wilga and Fujimoto, who will play defensive wing.

"Cassie is one of our strongest players," Fujimoto said. "Goalie Alina Wilga has saved many games for us and it appears that both players will be essential to our success."

After winning a preseason tournament at Santa Barbara, UCLA is starting to find the find the right chemistry needed to elevate the Bruins further into the playoffs.

"I am very impressed on how this team came together so quickly," team captain Fujimoto said. "All we have to do is start the season off well."

The Bruins will look to defend their title at the Santa Barbara Shootout on Feb. 15, which they won last year.

"I'm looking forward to starting off the season because our team has been steadily growing," junior defender Amy Tobaggi said. "We are really excited about the tournament and the game on Feb.19 against an all-star team from Japan."

Victories in the tournament combined with a win in the all-star game against Japan may just give the Bruins momentum entering the league season.

Not to mention experience.

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