The 2000 Championship Games Jenn Eames, president of the SWLL, sent the following message to all those who were involved in the 2000 SWLL championship weekend in Chattanooga. Included are results, awards, and thank yous. (Go to e-lacrosse for their article covering the championship as well as photos from both the UGA vs. Auburn and the Clemson vs. Furman games.) In case anyone hasn't heard the news . . . UGA won the 2000 SWLL championship over Auburn in an intense 8-7 overtime game that even reporters, men, and women who didn't have a clue about women's lacrosse loved watching. Those two teams put on a heck of a show for everyone in Finley Stadium Saturday! A comment from a freelance reporter from e-lacrosse who covers men's and women's lacrosse all over the country . . . "The only thing lacking was a couple of thousand people to see a game like that!" My opinion . . . it's amazing to see the development of women's lacrosse in the few years I've been involved down here, and the credit for that goes to all of you who have raised money, lined fields, learned to officiate, and advanced the game you love in an area where it didn't exist just a few years ago. Also FYI, the semifinal game between UGA and Furman was on the local Chattanooga news, with the commentator saying that lacrosse was an "interesting" sport, and highlights were shown of Courtney Groff from Furman and Alexis Wasowski from UGA. Clemson played solidly all weekend to finish 3rd in the league, and Furman finished 4th in tournament results. On an ancillary note, though neither team was required to, Furman was only able to field a team of 11, so both UGA and Clemson chose to play (wo)man-down for their games against Furman. That's the SWLL at its best. Also thanks to the club players (AWLC and college) who stepped up big time to make this weekend happen. Superstar announcers for games include Marti and Traci (AWLC), Meghan (UGA), Mark (Furman), and Stacie (AWLC via Auburn). Nancy Rudolph was a wonderful volunteer (despite the sprained ankle!), and Mandy Ryan, in addition to coordinating the weekend, was the first on the field for injuries (an ER tech!) - a great all-around resource! Awards for the season were: SWLL Champion: Georgia SWLL Runner-up: Auburn MVP of the Championship Tournament: Laura Reiss, GK for Georgia All-SWLL (the all-conference team): Jennifer Haselden, Auburn Nita Passyn, Auburn Karla Howlett, Auburn Lauren Davis, Auburn Katie Sweeney, Clemson Jamie Flynn, Clemson Caitlin Ring, Clemson Jess Giddings, Georgia Jackie Kerr, Georgia Alexis Wasowski, Georgia Ellen Matheson, Georgia Christina Soldo, Furman Courtney Groff, Furman Liz Fisher, South Carolina Alyson Bowyer, South Carolina Erika Heaton, Emory Dre Lebbin, Emory Ashlea Graham, Florida Attack Player of the Year: Alexis Wasowski, Georgia Defense Player of the Year: Karla Howlett, Auburn Most Improved Team: Furman From the championship awards ceremony: "In one year, women's lacrosse went from non-existent at Furman University, to their inclusion today in the SWLL championship tournament. An overwhelming majority of SWLL teams, officials, and administrators voted for one team as the 2000 Most Improved Team. The SWLL proudly presents Furman University with this year's Most Improved Team award. Accepting this award for Furman are Christina Soldo, Courtney Groff, and Mark MacPherson." Top College Umpire: Erin Simmers, Georgia. In the words of Rena Whitehouse, head umpire for the Southeast region and the SWLL, "She traveled almost every weekend this spring to playdays and displayed tremendous commitment. I don't think I could have done the schedule without relying on her." In addition to working SWLL games, Erin did her first Division II varsity games this spring. SWLL Sportsmanship Award: Again, from the awards ceremony: "The highest award the SWLL gives is the SWLL Sportsmanship Award. This award can go to any player, official, administrator, or team who steps beyond the usual boundaries to advance women's lacrosse in the Southeast. This year, there was a freshman at the University of Georgia who had never previously played lacrosse. In addition to spending her first year in college learning a new game, she developed a website for the SWLL where current scores, standings, officials' contact information, and photos of playdays across the Southeast could be accessed. Essentially, in a hands-on way, she is bringing the Deep South women's lacrosse community closer together. This year's SWLL Sportsmanship Award goes to Katie Goodrum from the University of Georgia." Thanks to everyone for another great SWLL season, and I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall! Jenn