Lacrosse becomes an intercollegiate sport at Hope College in 2012-13. It will also mark the beginning as a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) sport in the spring of 2013. The league schedule has been determined. The non-league portion of the season is to be announced.

Flying Dutch Have First Lacrosse All-American (5/19/12)
Hope women's lacrosse has its first All-American. Sophomore Katie Sabourin of Flushing (Powers Catholic HS) has been named a Division II All-American by the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse League. Women's lacrosse was introduced as a club sport at Hope in 2000. It will become an intercollegiate sport next school year. This spring the Flying Dutch won a school-record 12 games, including a 9-2 mark against conference opponents. A midfielder, Sabourin scored 49 goals over 16 games.

Tournament Split Gives Flying Dutch Most Successful Season (4/21/12)
The Flying Dutch closed the history book on women's lacrosse as a club sport by splitting a pair of games at the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL) playoffs on Saturday. Playing in Columbus, Ohio, coach Tracy Benjamin's Flying Dutch opened the tournament with a 14-9 victory over neighboring Grand Valley State, but were edged in the semi-finals by the University of Dayton 14-13 in overtime. Ironically, Hope's season started with a loss to Dayton. In between the Flying Dutch posted a school-record 12 victories in their final season as a club sport. Lacrosse for both women and men goes varsity in 2012-13.

Flying Dutch Headed to Conference Tournament (4/16/12)
Conference Tournament Information
The Flying Dutch are headed to the conference tournament of the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL) for a second consecutive year. Coach Tracy Benjamin's Flying Dutch are the top-seeded team from the North Central Region after posting an overall 11-3 recordwhich included a 9-2 mark against conference opponents.

The Flying Dutch will meet neighboring Grand Valley State in the tournament to be played Saturday (April 21) at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The tournament involving eight teams is single elimination. Other teams in the tournament include Oakland, Wheaton, Butler, Lake Forest, Dayton and John Carroll.

Hope's 11 wins ties the team's single season mark established a year ago. Just a week ago Hope edged Grand Valley 10-9. A year ago the Flying Dutch qualified for the tournament for the first time in school history. This year's appearance will be Hope's last as the program transitions to an NCAA Division III collegiate sport in 2013.

Flying Dutch Win Close One; Await Post-Season News (4/12/12)
What was anticipated to be a tough battle between the Flying Dutch and the GVSU Lakers turned out to be exactly that on Thursday night, with Hope coming out on top with a close 10-9 victory. The win puts Hope at 10-3 on the season, including 9-2 in conference games. Goals went back-to-back between the teams, but the Flying Dutch fought hard until the end, having to put on tight defense down to the last seconds to secure the win. Captain Maddie Ferguson led the Dutch in scoring with three goals, followed by Katie Sabourin with two, and captains Katie Anderson and Jamie Benjamin, Delilah Clement, Molly Greenfield, and Sarah Odom each chipping in one a piece. The defense was held strong by captain Rachel Jantz, Allie Jobes, and Stephanie Rogers. Goalie Jess Donnell played a phenomenal game, coming away with 16 saves. The victory over the Lakers should secure a spot to the WCLL playoffs. Post-season bids will be announced this weekend.

Flying Dutch Score Home Field Victory (4/11/12)
The Flying Dutch posted a 21-4 home victory over the Kalamazoo Hornets on Tuesday. The win puts Hope at 9-2 for the season and 6-1 in WCLL conference play. Leading scorers included captains Jamie Benjamin and Katie Anderson, and Katie Sabourin with four a piece, Sarah Odom with a hat trick, Olivia Keinath dishing in two, captain Maddie Ferguson and Laurie Stubenrauch tossing in one each, and captain Rachel Jantz rounding out the scoring with her first goal of the season. An own goal at the start of the game brought the final score to 21 for the Dutch. Stephanie Rogers played a great game anchoring the defense, while goalie Jess Donnell came away with seven saves. All members of the Flying Dutch roster contributed to the win.

Flying Dutch Win Streak Ended at Aquinas (4/9/12)
The Flying Dutch suffered an unfortunate end to their six-game winning streak from NAIA competitors Aquinas College, with a final score of 25-16. With a score of 19-6 Aquinas at the half, Hope played a significantly stronger second half, nearly doubling their goals scored from the first half, and limiting the Saints to just six. Goal scorers for the Flying Dutch included captain Maddie Ferguson and Katie Sabourin with four each, captain Katie Anderson with a hat trick, Sarah Odom and Laurie Stubenrauch chipping in two a piece, and Delilah Clement finishing with one. Stubenrauch was a fierce presence in the midfield, repeatedly gaining possession and quickly transitioning to attack. Captain Rachel Jantz had impressive ground ball control, continuously recovering loose balls and carrying them out of the Flying Dutch's defensive end. Defender Stephanie Rogers played an outstanding game, shutting down Aquinas' sharpest shooters on attack. Goalie Jess Donnell was credited with nine saves.

Flying Dutch Continue Winning Way (4/4/12)
It was a hard fought battle on the road against future MIAA opponent Alma, but the Flying Dutch stayed strong and were able to come home with a victory of 19-14. The first eight goals of the game went back and forth between the Dutch and the Scots, which continued throughout the first half. At one point, Alma was able to pull ahead by one, and Hope answered back gaining a two-point lead, but it all came back to where it started with a score of 8-8 at the half.

Alma came out scoring first in the second half, but was unaware that this would be the last time they would be ahead of the Flying Dutch for the rest of the game. With 21:54 to go, the score was an all too familiar tie of 11-11, when captain Maddie Ferguson turned on the heat with two back-to-back, unanswered goals, both within under a minute, which gave Hope the momentum they needed to maintain the lead for the remainder of the game.

Ferguson ended with four goals, along with captain Katie Anderson, and Katie Sabourin. Senior Jamie Benjamin, Molly Greenfield, and Sarah Odom tallied two a piece, and Laurie Stubenrauch rounded out the scoring with one. Sabourin maintained a fierce presence with the draw at the second half, gaining Hope possession of the ball time and time again. The defense, held strong by captain Rachel Jantz, Allie Jobes, and Stephanie Rogers, did an excellent job shutting down Alma's offense, limiting them to just six goals in the second half, compared to Hope's 11. Goalie Jess Donnell came away with nine saves.

Flying Dutch Top Rival Calvin to Extend Win Streak (4/3/12)
After at least six years of defeat, Hope's Flying Dutch came out with a huge home victory over the Calvin Knights with a final score of 21-8. The game was won by Hope's continual fight and victory over the draw, in addition to a dominance of possession in the mid-field, and greatly executed finishes. Katie Sabourin played a relentless game, leading the Dutch in scoring with six goals. Not too far behind her was captain Maddie Ferguson with five, Molly Greenfield with three, Delilah Clement, Laurie Stubenrauch, and Sarah Odom chipping in two a piece, and captain Jamie Benjamin tossing in one. The defense held the Knights to four goals each half, being led by captain Rachel Jantz, Allie Jobes, and Stephanie Rogers. Goalie Jess Donnell was credited with four saves.

Flying Dutch Win Three Times at Wheaton Playday (3/31/12)
The Flying Dutch went three-for-three in matches played Saturday at Wheaton, Ill. The Flying Dutch opened with a 15-7 win over Bethel, MN. Goal contributors include Captain Jamie Benjamin with four, Molly Greenfield and Katie Sabourin with three a piece, Captains Katie Anderson and Maddie Ferguson with two each, and Delilah Clement tossing in one. Clement played a huge factor in time of possession for the Dutch with three interceptions. Both Ferguson and Sabourin also played key rolls in possessing the ball by winning the draw multiple times. Captain Rachel Jantz, Allie Jobes, and Stephanie Rogers anchored the defense, while goalie Jess Donnell was credited with five saves.

The Flying Dutch then topped host Wheaton 20-8. Sarah Odom and Ferguson led the attack with four goals a piece, in addition to Benjamin, Greenfield, and Sabourin with three each, Anderson with two, and Laurie Stubenrauch chipping in one. Goalie Donnell came away with seven saves. All members of the Flying Dutch roster contributed to the win.

The playday concluded with a 22-6 rout of Michigan foe Saginaw Valley State. Goal scorers include: Benjamin with five, Sabourin tossing in four, Ferguson and Odom firing in three a piece, Greenfield with a pair, Olivia Keinath, Anderson and Stubenrauch tallying one each, and Olivia Husbands and Stephanie Rogers scoring their first goals of the season. All members of the Flying Dutch roster saw action, and goalie Donnell played an outstanding game, coming away with 17 saves.

Flying Dutch Win Home Opener (3/27/12)
The Flying Dutch won their home opener defeating future MIAA opponent Saint Mary's 13-6 at Van Andel Stadium. Coach Tracy Benjamin's Dutch started with a flurry scoring four times in the first three miunutes. Hope led 7-0 at halftime. Jamie Benjamin led the Dutch with five goals while Katie Sabourin added three. Sarah Odom and Maddie Ferguson each tallied a pair while Molly Greenfield had one. Stephanie Rogers keyed the defense while goalie Jess Donnell was credited with seven saves. Hope has a 3-2 season record.

Flying Dutch Bow to Michigan State (3/15/12)
Playing on the road at Michigan State University, the Flying Dutch suffered their second loss of the season, 18-7. Freshman Sarah Odom led the attack with three goals, while Katie Sabourin, Olivia Keinath, Maddie Ferguson, and Katie Anderson each chipped in one a piece. Goalie Jess Donnell played a great game with 10 saves.

Flying Dutch Win Two-of-Three in Season-Opening Playday (3/9/12)
The Flying Dutch opened up their season on the road with a two-day playday at the University of Dayton. The first contest Friday night resulted in a loss to the University of Dayton, 14-8. Playing in their first game together as a team, the Flying Dutch did well adjusting and learning throughout the game, especially in the freezing conditions. Captains Jamie Benjamin and Maddie Ferguson had two goals a piece, in addition to center Delilah Clement tossing in two. Attack players Sarah Odom and Olivia Keinath added a tally a piece. Captain Katie Anderson and Katie Sabourin played key parts in transitioning with both caused turnovers and ground ball control. Goalie Jess Donnell had eight saves.

The first contest of the day for Saturday was against University of Michigan B, resulting in a nail-biting victory for Hope, with a final score of 14-13. Benjamin and Ferguson racked up three goals each, along with Anderson, Clement, Keinath, and Odom chalking up one a piece. Sabourin had an outstanding game with four goals; the last one being the game-winner. Down by two with two minutes left in the game, Clement fired one in followed by Ferguson tossing up an assist to Benjamin to tie up the game. Hope was awarded possession of the ball with 13 seconds left from a foul on Benjamin, who dished the ball to Sabourin driving relentlessly to goal to score the tie-breaker with just two seconds left in the game. The defense, led by Laurie Stubenrauch, Stephanie Rogers, Allie Jobes, and Captain Rachel Jantz was a force to be reckoned with, shutting down Michigan's numerous attempts to drive to goal. Goalie Donnell played a phenomenal game with 15 saves.

The Flying Dutch finished up the day with a victory over Taylor University, with a final score of 20-5. Goal scorers include: Benjamin with five, Ferguson and Sabourin with four a piece, Anderson with three, and Odom and Stubenrauch with two each. Donnell came away with seven saves. All members of the Flying Dutch roster contributed to the win.

Coach Benjamin Will Guide Varsity Lacrosse
When Hope College launches intercollegiate lacrosse for men and women next year it will be directed by head coaches very familiar with the program. The transition to intercollegiate sport will be under the tutelage of the current coaches Tracy Benjamin (women) and Michael Schanhals (men). Both played lacrosse during their Hope undergraduate days.

"We are delighted that both Mike and Tracy will remain with our lacrosse programs and student-athletes as we transition these teams to varsity status next year in Hope and MIAA athletics," said co-athletics director Eva Dean Folkert who will serve as the college's lacrosse coordinator. "They bring both significant knowledge and great enthusiasm to their work as lacrosse coaches. We know that the dedication and care they have already given to our club programs in the past will surely continue. We are fortunate to have them leading men's and women's lacrosse as new varsity offerings in Hope and MIAA sports."

The establishment of intercollegiate lacrosse at Hope coincides with its introduction as a sport by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) in the 2012-13 school year. Competition in men's and women's lacrosse will continue as a club sport this spring. When it becomes intercollegiate there will be a non-traditional season next fall followed by conference regular season and tournament play in the spring of 2013. Hope's club lacrosse program has an established history, the men beginning in 1974 and the women in 2000.

A 1990 Hope graduate who played lacrosse, Schanhals has coached the Flying Dutchmen since 2005. He coached East Grand Rapids High School to state championships in 1993 and 1994 and for the past 18 years has taught in the North Muskegon public schools. He has coached football, basketball, and tennis during his tenure at North Muskegon. He is a US Lacrosse certified official. He coached the 2010 Flying Dutchmen to a 12-3 season mark and first-ever appearance in the national tournament of the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association.

Benjamin is a 2009 Hope graduate who majored in psychology and exercise science. She was an active member of the lacrosse club team, serving as captain in 2007 and club president in 2008 and 2009. In her first year as coach in 2011 she guided the Flying Dutch to a school-record 11 wins and the program's first-ever appearance in post-season play. She currently serves as a counselor in a program that helps troubled teens learn independent living skills.

The addition of lacrosse to the intercollegiate program brings to 20 the number of varsity sports sponsored by Hope, ten each for women and men.

Lacrosse to Become Varsity Sport in 2012-13
Hope College will begin sponsoring intercollegiate lacrosse for men and women effective with the 2012-13 school year. The addition of these sports at Hope coincides with an announcement by the Michigan ntercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) to add lacrosse as varsity sports for both genders on the same timetable.

"We are very excited about the transition of the women’s and men’s lacrosse programs from club sport to varsity sport status," said Dr. Mark Northuis, chair of the department of kinesiology at Hope. "Both programs have been very successful at the club sport level and will receive every opportunity to be successful while representing Hope College in intercollegiate play. Knowledgeable coaches, excellent facilities, and a strong nucleus of players will help both programs be very competitive as they begin their varsity programs.

Hope currently offers lacrosse as a club sport for men and women. Initiated in 1974, the men's program is one of the oldest established collegiate lacrosse club programs in Michigan. The women's program was started in 2000. Both will continue as club sports this school year. continue