By Chris McLaughlin
Now in her final season, midfielder Michele Conway not only leads her team as a captain, she has also been a prominent figure in resurrecting the CCSU women’s lacrosse team.
Since the program’s inception in 2000, the Blue Devil lacrosse team has yet to post a winning season. In Conway’s first two years at CCSU the team won a combined two games.
Though the team had trouble producing on the field, Conway gave hope for the program’s future. In her freshman year she led the team in goals with 26 and finished second in total points with 29. She continued to play hard for CCSU and in her junior year helped lead the team to its most wins in a single season with five. In 2011, the progression continues, and the Blue Devils have already surpassed last year’s win total.
“It’s definitely been a journey,” said Conway. “My first two years we only won two games, so it’s really an awesome feeling to be where we are now. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going, this program has grown tremendously.”
The 2011 season has already been the most successful season for lacrosse. The Blue Devils got off to a rough start in conference play, dropping the first three matches, but were able to pick up its first conference win on the road at Robert Morris.
The Blue Devils’ non-conference games have helped the team compile the most wins in school history, including the team’s first four-game winning streak. Though it’s her senior year, Conway expects the winning ways to continue after she has graduated.
“This year has gone really well,” said Conway. “We started off better than last year and we got a big win against Manhattan. We still have a lot of the talent we had last year and we will after I leave. I think they will continue to win.”
Conway is third in points scored with 28 as well as remaining at third in goals scored with 23. With five games left on the season, she has a shot to surpass her career high in both categories. Though the stats are impressive, Conway doesn’t really invest too much into them.
“It’s obviously a good feeling, but I try not to think of those things,” said Conway. “We’re able to win games by working together and I’m more proud of that than my own stats.”
Conway understands the importance of not only teamwork, but hard work in general. As team captain, she tries to set an example for the rest of the team. Given the Blue Devils’ success, her teammates are buying into her leadership.
“I always try to be loud on the field and lead by example,” said Conway. “I know we have to continue to work hard, sometimes not everyone wants to be in practice, but I always show that I want to be there and it rubs off on them. I try to emulate my former captains, and they taught me to never give up.”
Teamwork has been a big part of the success for the Blue Devils this year. Despite being eighth place in the standings, the Blue Devils are second in the Northeast Conference in both goals scored and assists. Because of the continuity on offense, the Blue Devils are in a position to be in its first ever NEC tournament.
“We know we have to keep winning games,” said Conway. “We have to beat up on the teams we’re supposed to beat up if we want to make the tournament.”
The Blue Devils have just one home game left and it will be a very emotional one for Conway. Following last year’s tragedy of losing her father, Conway is both excited and anxious to play in senior day.
“There is going to be a lot of emotion,” said Conway. “Last year my father passed away so there’s already been a lot of emotion in this season. I can’t believe it’s almost finally senior day. I’m excited and anxious, I’m really looking forward to that day, it’s a game we all really want to win.”
