March 23, 2009

EASTON, Pa. - Over the past week, the Lafayette women's lacrosse team learned it can count on freshman defender Lauren Curley (Cinnaminson, N.J./Holy Cross) to contribute on both ends of the field. The Economics and Business major picked up Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors on Monday, the first weekly accolade of her career.

Curley picked up her player of the week honor after two solid performances, both of which came on the road. The Leopards opened last week against Big East powerhouse Louisville and then traveled to Patriot League foe Bucknell on Saturday.

Against the Bison, she was part of a defensive effort that limited Bucknell to just four second-half goals as the Leopards out-scored their opponent 6-4 in that final period. She also caused a team-high three turnovers. On the offensive end, she added two goals for Lafayette, both of which came in the final 15 minutes and came on her only two shots in the game.

Curley is one of seven Economics and Business majors on the team. She is currently enrolled in four courses this semester, including Principles of Economics, Differential Calculus and Economic Modeling, Applied Statistics and Elementary Spanish.

Curley, the sister of Lafayette quarterback Rob Curley '10, is one of only two freshmen to start all nine games for the Leopards this season and has added six goals as a defender. Her six goals and 13 ground balls lead all freshmen on the team. Curley has also caused seven turnovers, third-most on the team and second among freshmen.

The Leopards host Sacred Heart on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the first of two-straight home games. American then travels to Easton on Saturday for a 1 p.m. contest.