April 28, 2009

Caitlin Mandrin Hill has spent the majority of her lacrosse career stuck on the defensive side of the field. The St. Mary's High graduate is getting a chance to play offense this season, and she likes it.

Moved from line defense to a midfield role, Mandrin Hill has exploded for 24 goals and 23 assists to help Navy to a 12-4 record in just its second season as a varsity program. The Annapolis resident ranks second on the team with 47 points after totaling just 12 as a freshman.

"I have loved playing on the offensive side of the field. It's fun to have the freedom to go up and down the field, to be part of the attack and to score goals," Mandrin Hill said.

Mandrin Hill didn't get many scoring chances while playing line defense throughout her career at St. Mary's High. The tall, athletic 5-foot-10 youngster filled the same role as a plebe at Navy, leading the team in ground balls (55) and caused turnovers (24) last season.

However, the transfer of second-leading scorer Meg Decker to Loyola left the Midshipmen a little thin in the midfield.

For the complete article by Bill Wagner of the Annapolis (Md.) Capital click here

For a look at the freshmen for Navy women's lacrosse, read Anthony Naglieri's interviews from Navy Sports Information here