Confidence. It's what champions have and what great players and teams exude.
It's the result of compiling a 62-2 record and three national titles in the past three years. And that's exactly what Northwestern has done.
The Wildcats' run does pale in comparison to that of the University of Maryland, which won seven titles in a row between 1995 and 2001, with NU coach Kelly Amonte Hiller on the field for the first two. But the Cats believe they have a good shot to close the gap on the Terrapins.
While the team isn't guaranteeing a four-peat this season, NU has a definite air of confidence.
"The past two years it has been our goal to win a national championship, and it's no different this year," junior goalie Morgan Lathrop said. "We want to be as successful if not more successful than we have been in the past."
Lathrop's play the past two years is a big reason why the Cats are looking at a potential four-peat.
After she burst onto the scene as a freshman, Lathrop was outstanding between the pipes for the Cats last year. She recorded a school-record 160 saves and led the nation with a 5.92 goals-against-average and a .576 save percentage en route to being named Inside Lacrosse's National Goalie of the Year.
But for Lathrop, the individual accolades are just window dressing for her career.
"It's nice to be individually recognized," she said. "But that's not what it's about. It's about the team and winning. I'd take a win any day over playing well myself as long as the team won."
The team is expected to keep winning, even though many key players graduated after last season. This will not be a rebuilding year for the Cats.
Among the departed are Kristen Boege and Lindsay Finocchiaro, two defensive leaders of the last three years. After playing with them for her first three years at NU, senior defender Christy Finch will attempt to win her fourth title without them. Finch realizes her opportunity to win four collegiate titles is one just a handful of athletes receive, in any sport.
2008 Woodie Awards
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