Women's Lacrosse | February 14, 2019

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Before the season begins on Saturday, women's lacrosse have announced their captains for 2019. Seniors Ashley Blanton and Courtney Shoults, along with sophomore Bridget Ruskey, will lead the team this campaign.

Blanton has played in every game of her career and she currently sits on 51 caps as an Explorer. If she maintains her pace, she could surpass the current record of games played in a career--Brittany Edwards with 67. In 17 games last season, Blanton recorded 30 ground balls and fourteen caused turnovers. She also impressed off the field as well, earning multiple academic honors (IWLCA Zag Sports Division I Academic Honor Roll, Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team, and Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll).

Shoults has rivaled that consistency in the last few years. She did not play in 2016 due to medical reasons, but hasn't missed a match from her sophomore season on. After starting 16 games as a defender last season, she finished 2018 second on the team in caused turnovers with 24. With 40 in her career, she's set to break into La Salle's top ten all-time in that category, and possibly rise towards the top.

The youngest of the three is Bridget Ruskey, who was second on the team's scoring charts last season as a freshman. Ruskey wrapped up 2018 with 46 goals and eight assists--only Emily Bonczek (61 points in 2005) and Jami Wilus (58 points in 1999) have had more prolific rookie campaigns. They went on to become the two highest scorers in school history. Over the course of last season, Ruskey was awarded A-10 Rookie of the Week three times and named to the A-10 All-Conference and All-Rookie Teams.

La Salle hit the field at noon on Saturday as they host LIU Brooklyn in the season-opener.