April 24, 2008 - The second year of the Fontbonne University women's lacrosse program was a vastly successful campaign. The Griffins finished with a 6-5 overall record setting a school record for wins in a season. First-year head coach Monica Potter said she was very pleased with her team's progress.

"I think our program made great strides this season," Coach Potter said. "With each game, I think we showed improvement and I think our porgram is headed in a positive direction."

Fontbonne lost it's first three of the season but rebounded to win their next two. Fontbonne finished the season winning four of the last five games including a three-game winning streak during that strecth. The Griffins went 1-1 at home this season beating Linfield College 13-7 but losing to Wittenberg University 14-5.

Offensively Fontbonne was led by junior Katie Radeackar who scored a school record 39 goals. Radeackar ranks among the nation's best in goals per game. Freshman Emily Spalding recorded 22 goals and five assists while sophomore Emily Schallenberg tallied 17 goals and 10 assists. Freshman Shelby Leistler showed dramatic improvement throughout the season and finished with 11 goals and two assists.

"Katie was our most dangerous player and at times she dominated games but we also got great contributions from other players," Coach Potter said. "Emily Spalding and Emily Schallenberg had great seasons and Shelby probably showed the biggest improvement from the beginning of the season to the end."

Freshman Claire Kallio anchored the Griffins defense. Kallio started all 11 games in goal while recording 123 saves and 10.43 goals against average. Bridgette Riley, Danielle Donze and Jessica Deutsch provided a solid foundation in front of Kallio that improved throughout the season.

"Claire kept us in alot of games and had a great freshman season," Coach Potter said. "But defensively we played better in front of her as the season wore on. In our last five games we only allowed more than 10 goals once."

Fontbonne returns everyone from this year's team in 2009. Coach Potter is excited about the future for the Griffins.

"We return some outstanding offensive and defensive players and I think as we gain more experience as a team we'll continue to develop as a talented program," Coach Potter said. "I'm thrilled about this year's success but even more excited about what the future holds for us."