Mass. Maritime, Salem State Accepted into NEWLA Membership for 2012 Season
The New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance will be adding two new members beginning in the spring of 2012. Salem State University and Massachusetts Maritime Academy have been accepted for membership into the NEWLA. Both programs begin varsity play in 2012.
Massachusetts Maritime announced in July of 2009 that their club program would be elevated to varsity status beginning with the 2011-12 season. The Buccaneers have named Julie Rigo as the program's head coach.
“Massachusetts Maritime is extremely honored and proud to become a member of the New England Women’s Lacrosse Alliance," Massachusetts Maritime Director of Athletics Bob Corradi stated. "There is great enthusiasm on our campus about the addition of women’s lacrosse as our newest varsity program, and we look forward to great competition and camaraderie with our fellow NEWLA institutions for years to come.”
Salem State announced in August that their club program, which had competed successfully as a club sport for the past three seasons, would be approved for varsity status beginning in 2011-12.
"The University is excited to offer this opportunity to such a dedicated and enthusiastic group of female athletes," said Athletic Director Tim Shea. "Head coach Tara Kelly is the right person at the right time to lead this team to the next level. We look forward to the team's future success."
The NEWLA will have nine members competing beginning in 2012. Current member Castleton will be leaving the NEWLA after this season to compete in their primary conference the North Atlantic Conference.
Founded in the Fall of 1998, the NEWLA is a single sport conference comprised of eight NCAA Division III institutions in New England. They are Becker College, Bridgewater State University, Castleton State College, Elms College, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University.
