RIGHT WOMAN FOR THE JOB

CANTON — Rodman native Lauren Sischo has proven to be the ideal team captain for new St. Lawrence University women's soccer coach Franco Bari.

In Sischo, Bari has a player who has led her team in goals and points every season of her career but also excels off the field, working with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and also with the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

As an added bonus, Sischo brings the team winning experience from being on a state girls basketball championship team at South Jefferson to making the NCAA Division III women's basketball tournament at SLU.

"She has the most amazing personality," said Bari, a 1998 SLU graduate. "She's a true leader in every sense of the word. Her influence is very positive. She's highly respected by her teammates and the coaches."

As for her championship experience Bari said, "It's extremely important to have players who understand the importance of their roles in how to create a successful environment. She's a very intelligent player, very dynamic. She's a true team player, but the most important attribute I find is her desire and hard-working efforts."

In 50 career games with the Saints, all as a starter, Sischo has produced 18 goals and one assist and six of her career goals have been game-winners.

But she's not focused on the past and instead is helping her team go through the transition of a new coach.

"I'm the captain and I have a huge leadership role," Sischo said. "I have to work hard to be an example to my teammates. It's going to be a big role for me."

The Saints have been an average team during Sischo's career, compiling a 22-24-4 overall record the past three seasons.

But Bari, a former SLU men's captain, played at the beginning of a successful run by current men's head coach Bob Durocher, which saw the school win an NCAA Division III national title in 1999 and reach the final four again in 2001.

"It's been such an awesome preseason," Sischo said. "I'm already so excited for what he has planned for our program. I'm thankful I get one season with him. With the success of the men's program, it's awesome to know your coach has experienced that success and he knows what it takes to get to a high level."

Although Sischo competes in two sports at SLU, which was a main factor in her choosing the school, she's gone out of her way to make sure she experiences other aspects of college life.

A chemistry major, she also tutors in that subject and is part of non-athletic organizations on campus.

"You do want to get with other people on campus and not just the athletes," Sischo said. "I can manage my time, but it's a balancing act."

Sischo said she's looking into attending graduate school next year to study pharmacy but isn't sure about a career. She does have some ideas for her sporting future.

"I'm hoping when I graduate to start running marathons," Sischo said. "I've been doing some half-marathons. I'd also like to do triathlons, but not the Ironman yet."

MEN'S SOCCER

Outlook:Clarkson was outscored 27-12 by the opposition last season.Seni MakindeandScott Desmondeach scored two goals to lead the team. The Golden Knights must replace goalieJonathan Rushing, who started all but two games and had a 1.76 GAA. ... Like their village neighbors, SUNY Potsdam struggled on the field last year. The Bears gave up 24 goals in the first half of games. The challenge gets bigger for SUNY Potsdam this season after losing five of their top six scorers from last year. ... St. Lawrence University endured some tough luck last year as it outscored opponents 29-14 yet had as many losses and ties as wins. The Saints' leading scorer wasPaul LaMarcawith six goals and five assists andDavid Osornoadded six goals. The program returns starting goalie Emilio Coletta. ... SUNY Canton returns two of its leading scorers from last season inRepton Abrahams(14 goals-8 assists) andBismark Ansah(10 goals).

Clarkson Golden Knights

Coach:Willi Steinrotter (18th year, 123-138-21).

Last year:3-11-2, 0-6-1.

Roster:Mike St. Croix (Sr. G), Cale Samuel (Sr. D/M), Andrew Ensinger (So. M), Jimmy Foster (Sr. M), Phil Boyd (Jr. M), Matias Pena (Jr. M), Brett Laudermilch (So. D), Jeremy Toscano (So. D), Seni Makinde (Sr. F), Brody Boomer (Jr. D), Scott Markgraf (Sr. M), Kevin Martens (Sr. F), Justin White (So. D), Christoper Bates (So. M), Scott Desmond (So. F), Kyle List (So. D), John Birchenough (Jr. F), Francis Dayamba (So. F), Michael Davis (Jr. G), Sly Majkut (Jr. G), Fidan Mustafa (So. M), Alex Winiarski (So. F), Mathieu Bemis (Fr. D/M), Jeremy Benoit (Fr. D/M), Tobin Boomer (Fr. D/M), Brian Buckner (Fr. F/M), Elliot Carter (Fr. F/M), Todd Coleman (Fr. D), Anthony Esposito (Fr. M), Evan Gabel (Fr. D/M), Chris Hartzheim (Fr. D/M), Nate Hazen (Fr. F/M), Matt Konecnik (Fr. D/M), David Maiorino (Fr. M), Jaime Pavon (Fr. M), Nick Yost (Fr. F/M).

SUNY Canton Kangaroos

Coach:Al Benda (12th year).

Last year:12-5, 10-2.

Roster:Dennis Salmon (Sr. M), Repton Abrahams (So. F/M), Bismark Ansah (So. M/F), Alexis Rivas (Jr. M), Justin Martin (So. D), Chris Margrey (So. D), Josh Avery (So. D), Chris Hill (Sr. G), Jeff Gotham (So. M), Isaac Emrich (Fr. G), Kevin Hicks (Fr. F), Eamon Case (Fr. G), Robert Chambers (Fr. F/M), Nick Leboeuf (Fr. D), Moubarak Agor (Fr. M), Brett Nortz (Fr. M), Bryant Wickwire (Fr. F), Homero Flores (Fr. G).

SUNY Potsdam Bears

Coach:Joe Vaadi (12th year).

Last year:5-11-1, 1-9-1.

Roster:D.J. Martin (Fr. G), Ryan McAssey (Sr. D), Mark McCloskey (Fr. M), James Edsall (Fr. D), John McCloskey (Sr. M), Billy Sahler (Fr. M), Tim Parks (Sr. D), Ron Burd (Fr. F), Brandon Kelley (Jr. M), Dominic Frisina (Sr. M), Dylan Reed (Fr. F), Brian Hilts (So. M), Chris Nieves (Fr. M), Alfred Karam (Sr. M), Tim Ciampa (So. F), Jon Reeves (So. M), Brendan Burkhart (So. D), David Roy (Fr. D), Danny Graves (Jr. M), Trey Bearor (Sr. D), Matt Rudd (Jr. M), Steve Martocello (So. F), Chris Mack (Fr. M), Andrew Moncrief (Jr. G), Evan Smith (Fr. G).

St. Lawrence Saints

Coach:Bob Durocher (15th year, 171-56-22).

Last year:9-3-6, 4-1-2.

Roster:Emilio Coletta (Sr. G), Yoon Sik Jung (Jr. M), Ryan Moore (Sr. M), Emmanuel Mbong (Jr. F), Marco Falcon-Viale (Sr. M), Paul LaMarca (Sr. F), Ian Fairlie (Sr. M), Charlie Mildrum (Jr. M/F), Terrence O'Brien (Jr. D), Dan Quitt (Sr. M/F), James Stewart (So. M/F), Jay Thornhill (Sr. D), Kiel Dwyer (Sr. F/M), Reed Carr (Jr. M), Phillip Jones (So. G), Henry Eisenhart (Fr. D), Mike Manfredi (Fr. D), Daena Moultan (Fr. M), Brendan Gorman (Fr. F), Dan Marvin (Fr. F), Dan Casserly (Fr. M), Nick Salerno (Fr. D), Alex Soto (Fr. M), Sean Scott (Fr. F), Tyler McCune (Fr. M), Ean Kelleher (Fr. M), Kurt Malkames (Fr. D), Austin Meeker (Fr. D), Adam Pistel (Fr. M).

Jefferson CC Cannoneers

Outlook: The Cannoneers continue their rebuilding process and prepare to compete with local talent against other college's international talent. Coach Chris Pacilio expects the team to make the sub-regionals this year and marked 4-5 wins as a realistic goal. Steven Barry returns after a year absence to quarterback a disciplined, hard-working club.

Coach: Chris Pacilio (3rd year, 5-23).

2007 record: 3-11.

Players to watch: Josh Biolsi, Lucas St. Hilaire, Jorden Decker, Steven Barry.

Roster: R.J. Ward (So., G), Jordan Booher (Fr., G), Kyle Horton (Fr., M), Jordan Sawyer (Fr., M), Matt Barniak (Fr., M), Zach Fancy (Fr., M), Hayden Freeman (Fr., D), Josh Biolsi (So., D), Jacob Finnerty (Fr., M), Jordan Reardon (Fr., F), Steven Barry (So., M), Andrew Donner (Fr., D), Brandon Kraeger (Fr., D), Lucas St. Hilaire (Fr., D), Andrew Kilionski (Fr., M), Jorden Decker (So., F), Kyle Willis (Fr., D), Dan Sharlow (Fr., F).

WOMEN'SSOCCER

Outlook:Clarkson was hurt by slow starts last year, being outscored 16-6 in the first half of games.Ariana Czechled the squad with three goals. ... SUNY Potsdam has been improving as a program and the Bears just missed a winning season last year. With a solid freshman class led by some area prep all-stars, the Bears could produce that winning record this year. SUNY Potsdam also returns its leading goal-scorers inLacey MalbeufandNicole Volpi. ... St. Lawrence struggled on defense last season, giving up 30 goals. The offense is led byLauren Sischo, who scored six goals, as well asLauren AnnaldoandMegan Howard, who each added five. SLU also has a new head coach in former men's playerFranco Bari. ... SUNY Canton had a successful year in its first season as a four-year school, winning the Sunrise Conference championship and making the NAIA national tournament. The Kangaroos scored 94 goals and outshot opponents 442-91.Niki Perkinstallied 17 goals last year and returns this season.

Clarkson Golden Knights

Coach:Lauren Kane (7th year).

Last year:3-11-2, 0-6-1.

Roster:Karen Streeter (Sr. D), Christie Knapp (Jr. D), Jill Collins (Sr. M), Brittany Monroe (Jr. F), Ellie Wade (Sr. F), Alyssa Brady (Jr. M), Ariana Czech (So. F), Deana Huntley (Sr. M), Courtney Donovan (Jr. M), Beth Stubbe (Sr. F/M), Hannah Henley (Jr. D), Cait Markes (Sr. M), Meryn Lounsbury (So. M/F), Stephanie Collins (So. G), Cait Spaeth (So. G), Emily Biron (So. M), Jill Clevenger (Fr. M), Alyssa Dausman (Fr. F), Emily Garrant (Fr. D), Courtney Green (Fr. M/G), Hilary Mosher (Fr. D), Alix Petitti (Fr. D), Caitlin Titus (Fr. G), Andrea Walsh (Fr. M).

SUNY Canton Kangaroos

Coach:Al Benda (3rd year).

Last year:16-3, 12-0.

Roster:Niki Perkins (Jr. F), Vanessa Badlam (Sr. D), Justine Monahan (So. F), Jackie Maynard (Jr. D), Ashley Winfield (So. F), Aimee Bookmiller (Jr. M), Aubrey Parrish (So. G/M), Cierra Wells (Fr. M/F), Courtney Averill (Fr. D), Jessica Brosch (Fr. M/F), Emily Fuller (Fr. M), Nikita Foster (Fr. M/D), Tiffany Fiacco (Fr. G).

SUNY Potsdam Bears

Coach:Tim Moody (2nd year).

Last year:8-9-2, 3-7-1.

Roster:Molly Flynn (Jr. G), Kelsey Butz (So. D), Maggie Malinowski (Fr.

D), Desiree Webster (Sr. M), Kelly McMahon (Jr. D), Taylor Jordan (Fr. M), Jenette Rutan (So. M), Alissa Tischler (Fr. M), Sam Ahlfeld (Fr. F), Nicole Brown (Jr. M), Andrea McCarthy (Sr. M), Deanna Romanowski (Fr. D), Brittany Hughes (Fr. F), Lacey Malbeuf (Sr. F), Kathleen Frear (Fr. M), Danielle DeCelles (Fr. D), Maureen Curley (Sr. D), Debra Palmer (Fr. M), Maribeth Simmons (Fr. D), Sarah Casey (Sr. G), Nicole Volpi (Jr. F).

St. Lawrence Saints

Coach:Franco Bari (1st year).

Last year:7-9-1, 2-5.

Roster:Katie McHugh (So. M), Katie Lacy (So. D), Rachelle Doucette (Jr. D), Kaitlyn Fahsel (So. F), Lauren Sischo (Sr. M), Lizzie Bogosian (So. M/F), Zoe Bludevich (Sr. M), Stefania Pirrotta (Sr. F), Nicky Hynes (So. D), Lauren Annaldo (Jr. F), Courtney Hendrick (Jr. M), Becca Townsend (Jr. F), Shellie Brzoska (Jr. M), Stanzi McGlynn (Jr. M), Megan Howard (Jr. F), Katie Oram (So. M/D); Abby VanGeldern (Fr. G), Amanda Chase (Fr. G), Renee Hilbrunner (Fr. M), Katherine Polido (Fr. D/M), Kirsten Newton (Fr. D), Marcelle Justison (Fr. M/F), Kristina Peso (Fr. F), Betsy Lucas (Fr. M/F), Devon Shatkin (Fr. D/M), Elena Rogers (Fr. M), Kelsey Smith (Fr. G).

Jefferson CC Cannoneers

Outlook: Jefferson CC boasts a strong and fast team which is balanced at all positions. Coach David Bowhall brings back six players from last year's squad and expects the Cannoneers to finish in the final four of the Mid-State Athletic Conference Tournament.

Coach: David Bowhall (3rd year, 15-19-2).

2007 record: 5-11-1.

Players to watch: Blair Kiernan, Ashley Lothrop, Nikkia Raso.

Roster: Brittany Trahan (So., F/M), Marissa Lloyd (Fr., M), Sara Rishe (So., D), Nikkia Raso (Fr., M/F), Emily Nellis (Fr., M), Elysa Doldo (Fr., D/M), Danielle Shockley (Fr., D/M), Ebony Sanchez (Fr., M/F), Brittany Kulesza (Fr., M), Theresa Staab (So., F/M), Ashley Lothrop (So., M/F), Stacey Peterson (So., M), Blair Kiernan (So., M/D), Wendy Getman (So., F), Cassandra Weed (Fr., M), Kristie Damon (Fr., D), Lauren Peters (Fr., M/F), Holly Lyndaker (So., G).

FIELDHOCKEY

Outlook:St. Lawrence, the area's only field hockey program, has made 18 straight postseason appearances. The Saints have posted an impressive 61-28 record in the last five years. SLU returns its leading goal-scorer in Joss-Elyes Smith(7 goals-five assists).

St. Lawrence Saints

Coach:Fran Grembowicz (10th year, 96-58).

Last year:13-4, 5-2.

Roster:Kelsey Berry (So. M), Emily Arena (Fr. M), Caitlin Estes (So. F/M), Rachel Burke (Jr. F), Michelle Laframboise (So. M), Brittany Clark (Fr. M), Erika Swits (Fr. F), Kelsey Joyce (So. M), Dylan Cutler (Fr. M/D), Kristi Onzik (So. F), Taylor Vogt (Fr. F), Emily Riley (Fr. F/M), Michelle Verrochi (Sr. F), Joss-Elyse Smith (Jr. F), Jo Opar (Fr. M/D), Jenny Thomas (Fr. M/D), Julia Croyle (Fr. M), Brooke Maloney (So. F/M), Jennifer Stetson (Jr. D/M), Lilli Callahan (So. G), Emilie Lannamann (Sr. G).

VOLLEYBALL

Clarkson Golden Knights

Coach:Johan Dulfer (2nd year).

Last year:23-17.

Roster:Davanna Chetney (Jr.), Alison Schroeder (So.), Eva Cartwright (So.), Stacy Storms (Sr.), Sara Artus (Fr.), Jessica Agnew (So.), Katie Fenner (So.), Jenna Stock (Jr.), Hilary Lockwood (Sr.), Jessica Brody (Jr.), MacKenzie Cook (Jr.), Jessica Klopp (So.), Nicole Edwards (Fr.), Rachel Simons (Fr.), Amanda Rankin (So.), Megan Mahon (Fr.).

SUNY Potsdam Bears

Coach:Steve Pike (7th year).

Last year:16-23.

Roster:Shayna Stewart (So.), Meghan Welcher (Sr.), Val Bova (So.), Sammie Pickering (Sr.), Courtney Falconer (Fr.), Kim Plummer (So.), Sarah Carney (Sr.), Lisa Weninger (Jr.), Diana Murphy (So.), Erica Romaniello (So.), Allison Pepe (Jr.), Samantha Strader (Fr.), Alyn Nerney (Jr.), Jennifer Nowak (Sr.).

St. Lawrence Saints

Coach:Melissa Deran (2nd year).

Last year:19-19.

Roster:Katherine Pierce (Fr.), Jordyn Buzza (So.), Abigail Rose (So.), Alison Limoncelli (Fr.), Jililan Shults (Fr.), Megan McNiven (So.), Jessica Lucky (Jr.), Natalie Kurtz (Jr.), Kelly Fuchs (Fr.), Nyasha Miller (Fr.), Lara Gibbons (Jr.), Liz Grogan (Fr.), Lauren Drozynski (So.), Jen Collins (So.), Marta Johann (Fr.).

Jefferson CC Cannoneers

Outlook: The Cannoneers return only one player in Jordan Thomas, but that is offset by the five members of the Section 3 champion Watertown High School graduates that should make team chemistry a non-issue. South Jefferson graduate Thomas leads a young squad which hopes to better its result from last season and overtake Corning Community College to win the MSAC championship for the second time in three years.

Coach: Eo Mathison (6th year).

2007 record: 18-16, 2nd MSAC.

Players to watch: Lindsay Gendron, Rachel Fazio, Jordan Thomas, Abigail Miller.

Roster: Jordan Thomas (So., S), Cassandra Gray (Fr., S/H), Rachel Fazio (Fr., L), Ashley Jackson (Fr., OH), Heather Shultz (Fr., S), Kathryn Freeman (Fr., MH), Lindsay Gendron (Fr., S), Abigail Miller (Fr., OH), Katrina Mulvaney (Fr., OH), Dana Stenhouse (Fr., H), Lyndsey Worthington (Fr., H).