Women's Lacrosse Adds Six to Roster

The Central Connecticut women's lacrosse team added six players to its 2014-15 roster. Marissa Cotroneo, Kylie Sullivan, Ashlee Owen, Jane Henry, Rachel Franze and Elizabeth Scandiffio will join the Central Connecticut lacrosse program this fall. All six student-athletes are freshmen and will be members of the class of 2018.

These incoming Blue Devils will be coached by Tanya Kotowicz, who is also joining the Blue Devils for her first season. Kotowicz just completed her second season as an assistant coach at Yale, where she helped the Bulldogs to their highest win total since 2008 while coordinating the best scoring defense in the Ivy League. The Bulldogs were ranked 13th nationally in scoring defense last season.

The Blue Devils finished the 2013-14 season with a 7-10 record and a 4-3 mark in Northeast Conference play. The 4-3 finish in NEC play was good for fourth place in the conference and marked their second straight trip to the NEC Tournament.

Here is a look at the CCSU lacrosse Class of 2018:

Marissa Cotroneo • 5-5 • Midfield • Philadelphia, PA

Cotroneo played high school lacrosse for coach Terez Walsh at Abington Friends School in Philadelphia, PA. She captained her high school team her junior and senior year. She earned 2013 Friends Schools League Girls' Lacrosse All-League honorable mention honors her junior year. The 5-5 midfielder also played lacrosse for the Ultimate Lacrosse club team.

Coroneo on CCSU: "I chose CCSU not only because the campus is beautiful and the education is great, but the lacrosse team felt like a second family as soon as I walked on the field for the first time. CCSU gave me the opportunity to play the sport that I love with a team that has the same passion as I do."

Kylie Sullivan • 5-5 • Attack/Midfield • Fergus, Ontario

Sullivan played her high school lacrosse at Hill Academy under coach Carly Quinn and Tory Merrill in Fergus, Ontario. While playing at Hill Academy, she was named captain for the 2014 season and earned the Athletic Feather Award. She also played under coach Carly Quinn on the Orangeville Northmen club lacrosse team. She was named captain for the 2013 and 2014 season and helped lead her team to two gold medals, one at the 2014 U19 A Provincials and one at the 2014 A Summer Games.

Sullivan on CCSU: "CCSU just felt right when I stepped on campus. I was very impressed with the challenging and engaging classes I will be taking. The exercise science major has an extensive training program which will provide me with an excellent education which I am confident will help me excel in my career. I was excited to hear about the Division I lacrosse program and felt that while at CCSU I could be a strong addition to the team while making a positive impact."

Ashlee Owen • 5-1 • Midfield • Westfield, MA

Owen was a four-year varsity letter winner in lacrosse and field hockey at Westfield High School in Westfield, MA. She played lacrosse under head coach Paul Fenwick and earned All-League honors her freshman and sophomore year. She went on to earn All-Western-Mass First-Team honors her junior and senior year and was named team MVP in her senior season. Owen also played for Lax Plus under head coach Kristen Mulladay.

Owen on CCSU: "It was always my goal to play Division I lacrosse. I did multiple camps for different colleges throughout New England and the one I liked the most was at CCSU. During my visits I met with several of the players and loved their positive attitude and enthusiasm. I also loved the atmosphere on campus and how the institution was connected with athletes."

Jane Henry • 5-7 • Defense • Horsham, PA

Henry played high school lacrosse for Hatboro-Horsham High School under head coach Duncan Swezey. Henry, a four-year starter, earned All-League, All-Intell and Academic All-American honors in 2013 and 2014. She was named captain for the 2013 and 2014 seasons and recognized as the 2014 Defensive MVP. She played club lacrosse for Ultimate Goal Lacrosse under Anne Pillion.

Henry on CCSU: "Not only do I see myself making a home and friends at CCSU, but it makes me excited to start the next chapter of my life."

Rachel Franze • 5-7 • Defense • Schenectady, NY

Franze is from Schenectady, NY and played lacrosse for Niskyuna High School under head coach Jason Bach. The 5-7 defender was a four-time scholar athlete award winner and received the Most Improved Award in 2014. She played travel soccer ADK Lacrosse out of the New York Capital Region.

Franze on CCSU: "CCSU has such an amazing community feel to it and their pride in their athletics is what made me want to become a Blue Devil. I could not be more excited for this upcoming year."

Elizabeth Scandiffio • 5-2 • Attack/Midfield • Verona, NJ

Scandiffio attended Verona High School and played lacrosse under head coach Sue Giarruso. While attending Verona, Scandiffio was a three-year varsity starter and earned Second-Team All-Conference honors. She played travel lacrosse for Tri State Lacrosse and head coach Sue Montegari.

Scandiffio on CCSU: "CCSU was the right choice for me because the school provides the right things for me to have a successful future."