AU Lacrosse Announces Captains for 2008 Season

Sept. 26, 2007

WASHINGTON - American University women's lacrosse head coach Katie Woods has announced seniors Tahra Johnson (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) and Lauren Lane (North Massapequa, N.Y./Plainedge) as team captains for the 2008 season, based on voting by their teammates and coaching staff. Johnson will be serving as captain for the second straight season, while Lane assumes the role for the first time.

"I'm very excited about the leadership for the 2008 season," said Woods. "It is already clear that Tahra and Lauren are eager to take on the challenges that come with being captain. They both have strong leadership qualities which will help in preparation for the spring, during the season itself and continuing to build our program into one of the best."

Johnson, a defender from Springfield, Pa., helped anchor the Eagles' defense, which ended the 2007 season ranked first in the nation in caused turnovers with 221 total caused turnovers. With Johnson in the back, AU also ranked second in the Patriot League in goals against average. Being referred to as the heart of the defense, Johnson was the 2007 team MVP and repeats as captain in her final year as an Eagle.

"Tahra will be solid for us this year on defense - she's one of our best communicators and keeps the defensive unit together," said Woods. "To be chosen twice reflects the person she is, both on and off the turf."

Lane, who was forced to sit out her junior year due to an ACL injury, returns to the turf for the first time since last March. After finishing her sophomore season with 18 points, Lane is expected to pick up where she left off, as one of the team's top attackers. Working hard during her recovery and in the off-season, Lane leads by example.

"Lane will be a great leader for us on attack," said Woods. "With her vision of the field, she's a major threat to opposing teams. We are looking forward to having her back on the turf and making her presence known."

The 2007 Eagles finished 9-9 overall and 3-2 in the Patriot League, falling to Holy Cross in the conference championship. AU returns 18 letterwinners, losing only one senior to graduation.