Bruneau Displays Versatility For Quinnipiac Lacrosse

March 13, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Quinnipiac University senior Kelly Bruneau not only brings athleticism to the lacrosse field. Her knowledge of the game and team-first attitude have factored into a position change. An attack player at Cheshire High School (2006 graduate) and Quinnipiac, she has seen more time defensively at the start of the spring season.
“It's an interesting transition,” reflected Bruneau. “I've played attack as long as I can remember, but they needed someone defensively. I'll play where they need me.”
“Kelly has been struggling with her hamstring,” added Quinnipiac Head Coach Danie Caro. “But, she the footwork to help us on defense. It is really valuable to have that versatility on your team.”
Bruneau is being patient, while working her way back to 100 percent. Likewise, the Bobcats are positive about overcoming a tough start. Quinnipiac has dropped their first three games, yet losses to host Brown (13-10; March 7) and Fairfield (14-12; March 11) universities came by a combined five goals.
“It is the best 0-3 team I've ever coached,” explained Caro. “We are not abandoning our game plan. We don't change our goals for the season.”
The home opener with Fairfield (4-1 record) was a back and forth affair. There were four ties and five lead changes. Both rivals created a 3-0 surge, only to see momentum and the lead shift to the other side. Quinnipiac used a five straight goals to climb out of a early 4-1 deficit. Along with winning draws, they used pinpoint passing to find space in front of the net. Fairfield received six goals from senior attack Erin Rigby in the first half alone, pulling even (8-8) at halftime.
The Bobcats adjusted on defense and proceeded to hold Fairfield scoreless for the first 16:46 of the second stanza. Quinnipiac seized the opportunity to convert three times, a surge capped by the first career goal from freshman Sarah Allen. Fairfield was whistled for four yellow cards and thus, were short-handed against an explosive offense.
The advantage was short-lived, as Fairfield closed the gap to 12-10 and then netted the game's final four goals. Junior Kristen Coleman (four goals) scored the eventual game-winner with 5:37 left. Quinnipiac did have an opportunity to knot the game again, but sophomore Marissa Caroleo's shot was saved by Fairfield freshman goalkeeper Katie Keenan (seven saves) at 41.7 seconds. Rigby beat the final buzzer with her game-high seventh goal. Sophomore Devon Gibney led Quinnipiac with four goals and two assists, while Caroleo scored twice. Quinnipiac sophomore goalkeeper Noelle Martello made 11 saves.
The Bobcats won 15 draws to Fairfield's 12, but the Stags held a 32-24 advantage in shots.
“It's really tough, especially since we had the lead late. If we get a couple breaks, we win that game,” reflected Caro. “We didn't make the adjustments in the end. It was getting pretty physical and I think we were hesitant to attack inside the defense at that point.”
Quinnipiac is looking for their first victory this morning. The Bobcats host Northeast Conference rival Bryant, at 11 a.m.
“We are looking forward to our league games,” added Bruneau, who is contributing among five seniors. “We need to refocus and get back to work.”
Eighteen players are back from last season, in which Quinnipiac set program records for single-season wins (13) and win percentage (.813). After being the NEC runner-up to Sacred Heart University for the last two years, they seek to claim their first tournament title and qualify for the NCAA Division I playoffs.
“That is always the goal. We want to accomplish something great as a team,” Bruneau said.
Bruneau earned All-American/All-State/All-Southern Connecticut Conference honors during her stellar career for CHS Head Coach Dan Warburton. She still has assist records for a game (tie with eight), season (55), and career (129).
“It feels good. Four years went by quickly,” recalled Bruneau. “I'm excited for the underclassmen in this (Quinnipiac) program.”