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06/04/2014 12:00 AMErin Mammele says she wanted to work on her speed and strength for lacrosse and her work has given way to her being one of the better multiple-threat players in the SCC.
After a sophomore campaign that saw her compile 20 goals and 23 assists in 20 contests in 2013, the midfielder missed the cut for the All-SCC team. However, that worked out just fine for Erin as she dedicated herself in the offseason to being an even better all-around player. Through 18 games for the Tigers, she has done just that with 54 scores, while leading the team on defense with 69 ground balls, plus a club-best 59 draw controls to notch All-SCC team recognition this time around.
"Being able to get turnovers on defense is important, especially as a midfielder, so I worked on my speed and draws as well, since those are big to start possessions on offense," says Erin, averaging three tallies a game with a trio of six-goal showings this regular season. "I also wanted to be a strong athlete on defense and just powerful in all aspects."
For her offensive success this year, Erin (20 assists) dishes out the credit to her teammates and the system the Tigers run. Speaking to the All-Conference snub of a season ago, she says it only made her stronger.
"We have a strong motion offense with moving the ball around, and it helps having many offensive threats, too. We have so many contributors, and they all work well with the fast-break and motion offenses," Erin says. "Last year with not making the All-SCC Team motivated me, and I knew I wanted to be a better individual player, so I'm happy I got it this year."
Head Coach Kevin Siedlecki adds that Erin's versatile abilities on the field make it hard for opposing coaches and players to even sleep before playing Hand.
"Erin was overlooked for All-Conference recognition last season; no one will overlook her this year. She's already put up numbers that would be good for a complete season, and she's getting better and more assertive very game," says Siedlecki. "In addition to the goals and assists she's tallied, she leads the team in draw controls and ground balls. She creates matchup nightmares for opponents on both sides of the field."
Erin's budding confidence comes from her position with handling decisions on both sides of the ball, and she reports that she can certainly sense it with the force behind every swipe at the cage.
"In the midfield, I go from defense to attack, and I really feel that strength and speed when I both shoot and run," says Erin, who also plays field hockey in the fall and is a member of Nor'Easter Lacrosse Club. "And that's certainly contributed to me success."
In terms of the club's triumphs, Erin states that they come from, coaching, camaraderie, and cooperation on the turf. Still, the work is nowhere near done for a Tigers' team that craves a state title.
"Our depth is huge for us this year. Being able to have a strong attack, plus the way we work together on the field is big, along with Coach Siedlecki and the way he communicates," says Erin, who thanks her teammates, Coach Siedlecki, assistant coach Danielle Tammaro, Tigers' field hockey Coach Sue Leckey, the Nor' Easter Lacrosse Club, her speed coach Rob Mangino, Hand Athletic Director Craig Semple, and her family. "We are ready for the road we have ahead. I told myself before this season that we want a title, and I think this is our year."
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