After playing in the finals of the UPA College Championships in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2004, Carleton's Syzygy has built a national reputation of being a team full of dedication, fire in the belly, and bad-itude. In 2005, Syzygy repeated as Central Region champions and descended on Corvallis seeded 6th and with their eyes on the prize. Their quest was cut short in pre-quarters when, despite incredible defense by its senior stand-outs Chrissy Lee #27 and Maia Pinsky #21, Syzygy lost a hard-fought battle at double game point (16-15) to Brown. Syzygy graduated 7 seniors in 2005 and comes into the 2006 season armed with its cadre of savvy returners and several outstanding rookies.

Led by the inspiring Ds and solid throws of its 3 captains – Sara "Smurray" Murray (#33), Kate Clark (#24), and Becky Craig (#32) – this year's Syzygy has the heart and skills to be on top. Becky "Bjoey" Schaumberg (#28) and Sara "Schillz" Schillaci (#39) are both nationally-competitive cross-country runners, who make good use of their speed and endurance. Anna Ritz's (#25) height and Megan Randall's (#19) aggressiveness make them valuable players on offense and defense, while Liana Burghardt's (#77) and Clare Kazanski's (#5) break-mark throws jumpstart the offense.

After getting a year of experience under their belt, this year's sophomore class is going to do some damage, too. Megan Molteni (#10) and Dylan Welch (#4) bring their soccer skills and über-positive attitudes to the field, while Beth Mynar (#16) and Alissa Pajer (#14) add calm, consistent throws to the handler line-up.

Expect great things as returning coaches Phil Bowen and Paige Anderson come back into the fold for the spring season, starting at Trouble in Vegas.

• Exit 69

Winter/Spring 2006:

• Trouble in Vegas
• Centex
• UPA College Series

Megan Randall catches versus Cornell in the consolation bracket