Nov. 2, 2017
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame women’s lacrosse program announced on Wednesday that a trio of captains has been chosen to lead the Irish in 2018. The Fighting Irish roster selected seniors Sydney Cardozo and Molly Cobb and junior Samantha Giacolone to serve as the voice of the team during the upcoming season.
“I am thrilled with the team’s selections of captains this year,” Irish head coach Christine Halfpenny said. “They have identified three people with different personalities, that play different positions. That said, the common thread with each of this year’s captains are their outstanding work ethic, strong communication skills, and how easy they are to relate to. All three selections have shown their ability to command a unit and have been exemplary at doing things the right way.
“Molly, Sydney and Sam are outstanding ambassadors of ND women’s lacrosse and reflect the team as a whole in such a positive manner. They are already making great strides leading this year’s team as we build a strong identity for 2018.”
Giacolone closed the 2017 season ranked second in the conference in ground balls per game (2.72) and second in saves per game (9.39). Giacolone was third in the ACC in save percentage (.475) and fifth in goals against average (10.67).
Giacolone collected her 300th career save in the early minutes of the team’s ACC quarterfinal matchup against Boston College on April 27.
The Manorville, New York, native was named National Player of the Week by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) for the period of March 20-26. Giacolone also was named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the period of March 20-26, marking the second conference honor of the season and third of her career.
“To be a captain at the University of Notre Dame is one of the greatest honors I will forever be grateful for,” Giacolone said. “Being able to put my name alongside some of the best captains to come out of Notre Dame is more than a dream come true. The overwhelming feeling that overcomes me when I think of representing this school and 32 of my closest friends is incomparable.”
Cobb turned in a breakout season as a junior, tallying 23 points on 19 goals with four assists. The midfielder collected 17 ground balls and nine draw controls in 2017.
Hailing from Towson, Maryland, Cobb owns 36 career points on 23 goals and 13 assists.
“Being named captain has been a goal of mine ever since I came to Notre Dame, and I couldn’t be more excited to take on this role,” Cobb said. “I am thrilled to see where this talented team goes this spring, and I’m especially honored to be chosen to lead them along the way.”
Cardozo made three starts in 2017 and appeared in 14 games. The Richmond, Virginia, native totaled six points on four goals and two assists.
In her career, Cardozo has appeared in 29 contests at attack and recorded eight points.
“It’s one of the biggest honors I’ve ever received,” Cardozo said. “The captains my past three years have been great players but most importantly great people. They are some of my best friends and biggest role models, so I am truly honored to share this title with them, as well as Molly and Sam. I am so excited for what this 2017-2018 team will do, and am humbled to be apart of it.”
Notre Dame competed in the NCAA Championship for the school-record sixth consecutive year in 2017 and the ninth time in the last 10 seasons. The Irish finished the season with an 11-8 record, including a 4-3 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
For more on the Irish captains, click here. For more on the Irish women’s lacrosse program, follow @NDWomensLax on Twitter and follow @ndwomenslax on Instagram.
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