James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
JMU Lacrosse Announces 2016 Captains
11/16/2015 9:36:00 AM | Lacrosse
HARRISONBURG, Va. – After the final games of the fall season, Head Coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe announced James Madison lacrosse's three captains for the 2016 season.
The trio was voted on by their teammates and includes redshirt junior Betsy Angel as well as seniors Jaci Gordon and Carter Reifsnider.
"JMU Lacrosse is so fortunate to continue to attract the most talented individuals and develop the most dominant leaders in the game and this year is no different," Klaes-Bawcombe said. "These three captains have been chosen amongst a deep roster of hungry competitors. I am proud of the team for choosing the right individuals and I have the upmost confidence in all three of them. They have the perfect balance of attributes necessary to defend our most recent championship. Betsy, Jaci and Carter have been charged to show our newcomers and their teammates what it looks like, feels like and is like to train to become a champion, and we are so excited for the 2016 hunt for the CAA championship."
Angel led the team with 70 points and recorded a career-best 49 goals and 21 assists in the 2015 season. The attacker appeared in all 20 games for the Dukes scoring three or more goals in 12 matches. She was named Second Team All-CAA as a sophomore and Virginia Sports Information Directors Rookie of the Year and was a Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie team pick in her freshman campaign.
"With so much natural lacrosse talent, Betsy leads in her own way," Klaes-Bawcombe said. "Her ability to lighten the mood when necessary and be serious at the right time is the perfect balance. Betsy has a high level of lacrosse IQ and will use this to lead her team and the offensive unit. Betsy's vision will be necessary to help direct us on the right path."
Reifsnider started in all 20 games for the Dukes in the 2015 season, recording a career-best 14 ground balls, seven draw controls and six caused turnovers. The defender is a two-time JMU Athletics Director Scholar-Athlete Award winner and a multiple Dean's list honoree.
"Carter is a quick and feisty defender that takes charge of her team and the defensive unit," Klaes Bawcombe said. "She takes care of all the little things behind the scenes and is our constant reminder of our focus and drive for this program. Carter is the anchor of this team and will be relied on to keep us grounded."
Gordon was named First Team All-CAA and to the 2015 CAA Championship All-Tournament team in her junior season starting in all 18 matches played. She tallied 62 points in 2015 with 40 goals and 22 assists with .727 shooting percentage. The midfielder was also named to the CAA All-Rookie team for her success in her freshman year.
"Jaci is a versatile middle that impacts all aspects of play," Klaes Bawcombe said. "She cares deeply about this team, its members and the direction we are going. I know that she will do everything it takes to give us her best and that the team will follow her lead. I have confidence that Jaci and her fellow captains will make 2016 a year to remember."
The Dukes begin the 2016 season hosting North Carolina Saturday, February 6 at noon at University Park.
The trio was voted on by their teammates and includes redshirt junior Betsy Angel as well as seniors Jaci Gordon and Carter Reifsnider.
"JMU Lacrosse is so fortunate to continue to attract the most talented individuals and develop the most dominant leaders in the game and this year is no different," Klaes-Bawcombe said. "These three captains have been chosen amongst a deep roster of hungry competitors. I am proud of the team for choosing the right individuals and I have the upmost confidence in all three of them. They have the perfect balance of attributes necessary to defend our most recent championship. Betsy, Jaci and Carter have been charged to show our newcomers and their teammates what it looks like, feels like and is like to train to become a champion, and we are so excited for the 2016 hunt for the CAA championship."
Angel led the team with 70 points and recorded a career-best 49 goals and 21 assists in the 2015 season. The attacker appeared in all 20 games for the Dukes scoring three or more goals in 12 matches. She was named Second Team All-CAA as a sophomore and Virginia Sports Information Directors Rookie of the Year and was a Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie team pick in her freshman campaign.
"With so much natural lacrosse talent, Betsy leads in her own way," Klaes-Bawcombe said. "Her ability to lighten the mood when necessary and be serious at the right time is the perfect balance. Betsy has a high level of lacrosse IQ and will use this to lead her team and the offensive unit. Betsy's vision will be necessary to help direct us on the right path."
Reifsnider started in all 20 games for the Dukes in the 2015 season, recording a career-best 14 ground balls, seven draw controls and six caused turnovers. The defender is a two-time JMU Athletics Director Scholar-Athlete Award winner and a multiple Dean's list honoree.
"Carter is a quick and feisty defender that takes charge of her team and the defensive unit," Klaes Bawcombe said. "She takes care of all the little things behind the scenes and is our constant reminder of our focus and drive for this program. Carter is the anchor of this team and will be relied on to keep us grounded."
Gordon was named First Team All-CAA and to the 2015 CAA Championship All-Tournament team in her junior season starting in all 18 matches played. She tallied 62 points in 2015 with 40 goals and 22 assists with .727 shooting percentage. The midfielder was also named to the CAA All-Rookie team for her success in her freshman year.
"Jaci is a versatile middle that impacts all aspects of play," Klaes Bawcombe said. "She cares deeply about this team, its members and the direction we are going. I know that she will do everything it takes to give us her best and that the team will follow her lead. I have confidence that Jaci and her fellow captains will make 2016 a year to remember."
The Dukes begin the 2016 season hosting North Carolina Saturday, February 6 at noon at University Park.
Players Mentioned
Attacker
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Attacker
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Midfielder
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Defender
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Defender
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