Jan. 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Richmond has been selected to win the 2009 Atlantic 10 Lacrosse Championship in voting conducted by the league's head coaches as the A-10's preseason poll was released today.

The Spiders captured three consecutive titles from 2005-07 before falling to Massachusetts in the semifinals of the 2008 A-10 Championship. UR is anchored by seniors Allison Furstenburg, the 2008 Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year, and three-time All-Conference selection Mandy Friend, the league's leading scorer the past three seasons.

Massachusetts has been tabbed second, followed by defending champion Temple third and Duquesne fourth. The Owls claimed their fifth title in program annals and first since 2004 a year ago and return midfielder/defender Jennifer Homka, a 2008 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team selection. George Washington has been picked fifth, followed by Saint Joseph's, St. Bonaventure and La Salle.

The four-team 2009 A-10 Championship will be held Apr. 24-26 at Geasey Field on the campus of Temple University.

2009 Predicted Order Of Finish (2008 A-10/Overall record in parentheses)
1. Richmond (6-1/9-9)
2. Massachusetts (4-3/7-11)
3. Temple (6-1/13-7)
4. Duquesne (5-2/8-9)
5. George Washington (3-4/5-11)
6. Saint Joseph's (2-5/7-9)
7. St. Bonaventure (2-5/4-10)
8. La Salle (0-7/1-15)