The American University women's lacrosse team will start the 2011 season on Sunday, February 20 when they face Ohio State at 12:00 p.m.

The Eagles return 19 letterwinners from last year's squad, which finished 3-3 in the conference and tied for fourth place. Junior Lauren Schoenberger will look to have another strong season after notching 22 goals and a team-high 15 assists last year, while 2010 Second Team All-Patriot League selection Emily Stankiewicz will also return to the turf. Stankiewicz and sophomore Chiara Speziale hope to lead the American attack after tallying 20 goals apiece last season.

The Eagles also return a solid core in the midfield and defense, including Emma Larkin who was an All-Patriot League Second Team honoree in 2010 after recording a team-high 30 caused turnovers and 37 groundballs. Co-captain Brit Ferguson tallied 36 draw controls and 12 groundballs in 2010 while Laura Dawson picked up 24 groundballs and caused 10 turnovers.

Kaska Komosinski will be between the pipes for American after appearing in 12 games last season with seven starts. Komosinski picked up four wins in 2010 while making 67 saves.

Ohio State is 0-1 on the young season after falling to No. 4 Duke 21-9 on February 12. Junior Alana Markwordt notched four goals and five other Buckeyes found the back of the net in the loss. Last season, Ohio State went 9-8 overall with a 1-4 mark in the American Lacrosse Conference. 

American's game against Ohio State is the first of three being played at Jacobs Field to open the season. The Eagles will face local rival George Washington on Wednesday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m. before taking on UMBC on Saturday, February 26 at 1:00 p.m.