(Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction) THE BUCK STOPS HERE: Stuart lacrosse star Elizabeth Bucklee wards off a foe in action last spring. Junior attacker Bucklee emerged as an offensive force last season and the Tartans will be depending on her for big production in the upcoming season. The Tartans start their 2008 campaign when they play at Pennington on April 1.

Stuart Lax Relying on Balanced Attack as It Chases 4th Straight Prep B Crown

Bill Alden

When senior star Kelly Bruvik went down with a season-ending knee injury early last spring, it looked like the Stuart Country Day lacrosse team was facing some hard times.

Rebounding from the injury to its top scorer and team leader, Stuart went on to win the program’s third straight Prep B title, routing Rutgers Prep 13-2 in the championship game.

In the process of adjusting to Bruvik’s absence and winning the title, two of Stuart’s young guns, Elizabeth Bucklee and Caroline Passano, took on additional responsibilities and emerged as stars.

As the Tartans look forward to starting the 2008 season, Stuart head coach Sara Wagner points to the dynamic juniors Bucklee and Passano as the strength of her squad.

“They have been working hard and playing in the offseason,” said Wagner, whose team starts its 2008 season by playing at Pennington on April 1.

“They are bigger, stronger, and faster. We are going to score. Bucky and Passano should be the leading scorers but they will get some good help.”

Others who should produce on attack for Stuart include sophomores Amanda Curnan and Kara Weeks together with senior Kelsey Semrod.

“Bucklee and Passano were our top two scorers last year and Curnan was fourth,” said Wagner, who is in her fifth year guiding the Tartans and led the team to a 7-8 record last season.

“Kelsey has concentrated on tennis in the past and she is focusing on lacrosse this spring. Kara Weeks is also good. We have a lot of players that like to go to goal.”

The Tartans also have a goal-scoring threat in the midfield in junior Jackie Radvany. “We are looking for Jackie to lead us in the midfield,” added Wagner, who will also use sophomores Alex Abad and Marielle Mahan in the midfield. “We may move her up to attack at times; she has such a good shot.”

Stuart boasts a quartet of versatile athletes in seniors Katie Baker, Raines Plambeck, and Selene Elesson together with sophomore Sarah Schulte who should help shore up both the midfield and defense.

“Raines, Katie, Selene, and Sarah will lead the defense,” said Wagner. “They also can play some midfield; they are interchangeable.

Stuart has a solid last line of defense in sophomore goalie Sarah Caswell, known as “Dewey” by her teammates.

“Dewey did a good job for us as a freshman last year and she has that year of experience,” added Wagner. “She worked hard in the offseason, playing goalie is her thing.”

In order to be successful, Stuart’s players will have to work hard all over the field.

“We have to transition well; we have to be flexible,” asserted Wagner.

“We don’t have a lot of depth so if players get tired they have to switch positions. We have to remain upbeat.”

In Wagner’s view, the team has the right mindset to meet that challenge. “The chemistry has been good, it’s gone very smoothly,” said Wagner.

“The seniors are tough on the field but they are low key personalities. They are inclusive. It’s a really nice mix. They are tough and intense but they bring a big radio to practice and play tunes. I like that.”

And if the Tartans can find a rhythm offensively, Wagner should like what she sees this spring.

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