(Photo courtesy of Susquehanna Athletic Communications) THE WRIGHT MOVE: Sarah Wright heads to goal in action this season for the Susquehanna University (Pa.) women’s lacrosse team. The former Princeton High standout scored 55 points this past spring on 40 goals and 15 assists to earn first-team All-Landmark conference recognition for the Crusaders.

Taking Go-To Role for Susquehanna Women’s Lax, Former PHS Star Wright Showing Skills, Leadership

Bill Alden

Sarah Wright was frustrated in the spring of 2008 as she filled a reserve role in her freshman season with the Susquehanna University (Pa.) women’s lacrosse team.

After being a go-to player for most of her career with the Princeton High squad, Wright was not accustomed to riding the pines.

“I thought I should have gotten in more,” said Wright, who had six points in 11 appearances as a freshman for the Division III Crusaders. “We had a lot of seniors who were amazing so I think the coach was nervous to put me in there.”

Things looked up for Wright when Laura Moan took over the Susquehanna program in the fall of 2008.

“I have a relaxed style; I don’t tense up,” said Wright, who plays midfielder. “Coach Moan understands my style.”

Getting the chance to show her style, Wright emerged as a go-to player for the Crusaders, scoring 54 points on 37 goals and 17 assists as a sophomore and then tallying 55 points this past spring on 40 goals and 15 assists.

Once Wright got her chance in 2009, she quickly became a team leader. “About halfway through my sophomore year, I realized that people were relying on me more,” recalled Wright, a second-team All-Landmark conference selection in 2009 before making first-team all-league this year.

“I was making more connections with the other players and trying to do more for the team. We only had a few seniors that year so the sophomores and juniors had to step up.”

For Wright, being recognized as one of the top players in the league was an unexpected bonus.

“Getting all conference was amazing,” asserted Wright. “Any honor I get shocks me. I play because I love the game. I would keep playing even if I was on the bench so any honor is great.”

Wright acknowledges that the college game is a challenge for her. “When you are on the field in high school, there are players who are new or inexperienced,” said Wright. “In college, the level of play is higher and more intense. The attitude of the girls is that this isn’t fun and games any more.”

It took a while for Wright to have some fun this spring. “I was extremely excited but I felt a lot more pressure,” said Wright, who set a program single-season record in 2010 with 65 draw controls. “Not from others but from myself to do better. I struggled early but then I relaxed and I started to play better.”

Being a team leader hasn’t been a struggle for Wright, who served as a team tri-captain this spring.

“I love my two other captains,” said Wright. “I played around with some of the new freshmen, staying after practice to help them. It has helped me.”

The extra work helped the Crusaders make progress as they went 10-7 in 2010 after going 7-6 the previous season.

“I thought we had a great season this year,” said Wright, who developed a stress fracture in her foot after the season and has been focusing on Pilates and weightlifting this summer to get back to full speed.

“We could have won more games in the beginning. We have six new recruits and no one is graduating. I am looking forward to next season.”

Wright is primed to make the most of her final season with Susquehanna. “You realize that you only have a limited time to play and that any game could be your last game,” said Wright.

“You don’t take anything for granted. As a freshman, I would think I have three more seasons. There is more of a sense of urgency.”

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