To label the 2003 women's lacrosse season as successful would be an understatement. The Seawolves exceeded expectations by posting a fourth-place finish in the highly competitive America East conference, qualifying them for a berth in the conference championship in just their first year of competition at the Division I level. Stony Brook also made noise on an individual basis with numerous players earning conference honors that ranged from Rookie of the Week recognition to All America East conference awards. The future for this budding program looks extremely bright and head coach Danie Caro is eager to keep the ball rolling with a base of players that has built a solid foundation for a successful lacrosse program.

The 2003 season started in dramatic fashion with the Seawolves clashing with another first-year program -- Long Island University - Brooklyn. Freshman Marrisa Trachtenberg played the role of heroine as she broke a 6-6 tie with just 3:16 left in the game to help lead the Seawolves to a 7-6 win over the Blackbirds. More importantly, Trachtenberg helped clinch the first win of the program's short history along with the individual honor of being named the America East Rookie of the Week.

The Seawolves kept rolling right past Howard University with a 14-12 victory over the Bison. The duo of Trachtenberg and freshman Danielle Werner, who would develop into a potent offensive combo, provided the Seawolves with the offensive punch in the win over Howard. The two combined for six goals and two assists each in The Brook's second win of 2003.

The Seawolves would suffer two defeats during their road tip over spring break. After slipping to George Washington and Marist, The Brook rebounded with a comeback win over the Siena Saints. The Seawolves showed heart and determination and battled back from a 4-1 deficit spurred by Trachtenberg's four goals and heady defense from redshirt junior Beth Arikian and senior Sarah Hanover. Arikian's play in the three games during the break would lead to her being named the America East Defensive Player of the Week.

Stony Brook would slip to 3-4 overall after falling to Sacred Heart and dropping a heartbreaking overtime loss to Manhattan, but once again the women laxers fought tough under pressure and tallied the program's first ever conference victory over rival Albany by the score of 13-9. Freshman Joanna Katz was the deciding factor in the match-up, scoring four goals with Werner and Trachtenberg adding two each.

The winning ways of the Seawolves would continue against St. Francis. Katz again led the way, tallying three goals and an assist in the 13-8 win. Senior Kerri McCabe and freshman Jill Gridley each chipped in two to help slam the door on the Red Flash. Werner was unstoppable on defense, collecting three ground balls, causing three turnovers and winning seven draw controls. Her feats did not go unnoticed as Werner was awarded the Seawolves' second Defensive Player of the Week honor in 2003.

The Seawolves offense had helped the lead the way to a solid start to the 2003 season, but it was the defense that helped push Stony Brook to 6-4 with a 13-7 win over Central Connecticut. Arikian and freshman Jennifer Joyce were ground ball machines, tallying four each in the win. Senior Ashley Blake, Hanover, sophomore Annie Pugh all totaled three ground balls to stop the Blue Devils. Even more impressive was freshman Gina DeNezzo who stopped 15 CCSU shots in the Seawolves third straight win.

Stony Brook extended its winning streak to four with the dismantling of Binghamton. The Brook jumped on the Bearcats early, scoring 12 goals in the opening half. McCabe and Werner each scored hat tricks in the win, with McCabe assisting on three more to push her point total to six and freshman Stephanie DeGennaro continued to develop her offensive skills by scoring four points in the conference victory.

The Seawolves would fall on hard times over the next two weeks, dropping games to Le Moyne, Boston University, Wagner, New Hampshire and Vermont. But there was a silver lining to the end of the Seawolves' season. Thanks to their hot start and tough play throughout, Stony Brook would go on the qualify for the America East conference championship. Quite an accomplishment for a program that only had 16 Divison I games of experience.

The Seawolves faced the Boston University Terriers in the opening round of the tournament and although Stony Brook would go on to fall to BU, the game was a good indicator as to what direction this program is heading.

The Brook exhibited extensive improvements since their initial encounter with BU, holding the nationally ranked Terriers to four second-half goals.

The close of the season brought even more honors Stony Brook's way. Four Seawolves were recognized by the America East for their play throughout 2003, with Werner garnering first-team All-America East honors, while Trachtenberg and Arikian made second team. Both Werner and Trachtenberg along with Gridley were named to the all-rookie squad.

Hanover and DeNezzo earned spots on the all-tournament team for their play against Boston University.

Werner was also named the team's Outstanding Offensive Player and Hanover snagged Outstanding Defensive Player honors. The Most Improved Player award was given to Pugh and Judith Pane was presented with the Ideal Seawolf award.