May 1, 2012

EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette women's soccer head coach Mick Statham has named Lauren Smedley and Allison Stone captains for the 2012 season. The duo will lead Lafayette as the team looks to take the next step and improve upon its successful 2011 campaign.

"Lauren has already made her mark on Lafayette soccer history, but has the ambition to add a championship to her legacy," Statham said. "She has massive talent but also is one of the great characters we have at Lafayette. With the vast amount of experience she has, the younger players have somebody to show them the way to be a top player."

Smedley, a 2011 NCAA Women's Division I All-Mid-Atlantic First Team selection, was named Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year in 2010 and 2011. She led the league in saves and her .887 save percentage ranked 17^th nationally. A native of Hamilton, N.J., Smedley has 20 career shutouts, which ties her for eighth all-time in Patriot League history.

"Allison is loved by everyone and works extremely hard to improve her play," Statham said. "She is a very thoughtful soccer player and sees the game like the coaching staff does. Allison has matured into a terrific leader and role model to everyone in our locker room. As nice as she is though, she is a fierce competitor and is never satisfied."

Stone was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week after her game-winning tally, which helped defeat Holy Cross last season.  The lone goal in a 1-0 victory helped Lafayette wrap up a perfect 6-0-0 home record, its best in program history. A midfielder from Rockville, Md., Stone played in all 17 games last year as a junior.

"Both Lauren and Allison, along with Nicole (Brownell) and Jill (Dozier) have had great spring seasons," Statham added. "Their desperation to add to last year's success is evident and will set the bar high for everyone else."