:10 Seconds with Molly Gleason

The Plymouth State Women's lacrosse team recently captured the Little East Conference Postseason Championship upon defeating Keene State 8-4. A big reason for the victory, as well as the success of the whole season is because of Junior Captain Molly Gleason (Haverhill, MA). Aside from improving her statistics drastically from last season (2013: 9 goals, 84 draw controls, 20 ground balls; 2014: 35 goals, 110 draw controls, and 36 ground balls), Gleason has also become one of the vocal leaders of the team.

Over the past three seasons, the numbers Gleason has accumulated have become historic, as she is only eight draw controls away from capturing the most draw controls for a player in PSU Women's lacrosse history. Considering the fact that she still has her senior year left, it is likely that Gleason will gain a massive lead on Kelsey MacDonald, the current record holder.

For Gleason, though, it isn't the stats she cares about. Upon having a dominant performance of ten draw controls against Keene State back in April, Gleason was furious at herself for not being able to get a few more, or being able to find the back of the net more often in that game. The 9-6 loss in that game ultimately fed the fire the Panthers needed to capture the postseason title, which Gleason was more than happy about.

Looking ahead to this weekend's game against Colby College, the challenge for the Panthers will be tough, but having the fire that Gleason will have will give PSU a chance to upset a number of teams in the NCAA tournament.

1.    How long have you been playing lacrosse?

The first time that I ever picked up a lacrosse stick was my freshman year of high school.

2.    How does the lacrosse team look for the NCAA playoffs?

We have an exciting week ahead of us as we prepare to play Colby College this Saturday in the NCAA playoffs. Colby College is a tough team, but we plan to move past them and accomplish our goal set at the beginning of the year of ultimately winning an NCAA National Championship.

3.    What is your most memorable moment in your lacrosse career?

Despite the fact it just happened, I know winning the LEC Championship is something that I will never forget. The feeling as I tackled Field-z to the ground after our 8-4 victory against long-time rivals Keene State, on their home turf, is a feeling that will be burned into my mind for eternity.

4.    Do you have any superstitions on game-day?

Before every game, I spend an excessive amount of time perfecting my eye black before walking onto the field. My obsession has begun to grow on my teammates as Rachel, Caroline, and Bubbles also come to me now to apply their eye black before every game.

5.    What was your "Welcome to lacrosse" moment?

My first high school lacrosse game is one I will never forget. I was the last player to be put into the game and tried to stay away from the ball at all costs. However, I finally ended up with the ball on my stick and began carrying it up the field. I remember thinking that this sport is coming so naturally to me as the other team was literally running away from me when I crossed the midfield. When I looked for my teammates to pass to, I felt like my own team was also running away from me-come to find out this was because the game was over!

6.    If I were to look at you Ipod/ITunes/etc. what would be the five most played songs?

1. If I Could Do It Again - Corey Smith

2. Drops Of Jupiter - Train

3. Here Comes The Boom -Nelly

4. Cant Be Touched- Roy Jones Jr.

5. Don't Stop Believin'- Journey

7.    You have nearly tripled your number of points this season compared to last year. What has allowed you to become so successful on the offensive side of the field?

I think a huge part of my success on the offensive end this year, in comparison to years past, has a lot to do with my teammates Shannon and Bubbles. I have always had a connection with these girls off the field, but this season we made a point to create a strong bond on the field. With coach's guidance, the three of us are consistently on the same page and this has directly translated to our offensive success as a team.

8.    This team appears to have the best vibe since you have been at PSU. How much of a role has this played in this team's success this season?

This team grown to become more than a family and our ability to support one another on and off the field has allowed us to battle through the highs and lows of this season and end up as LEC Champions and be in position to fight for an NCAA Championship.

9.    Back in April, your team lost to WCSU and KSC in the regular season. What allowed you guys to defeat them in the postseason, and how rewarding/awesome was that experience?

I believe that our regular season losses to West Conn and Keene were learning experiences that allowed us to dominate postseason play. These experiences ate at us every single day, motivating us to strive for revenge in the postseason. This success has been truly rewarding, but we want more.

10.This is the first time that the Plymouth State Women's Lacrosse team has made the NCAA tournament since 2006. How far will this team go, and what will allow/lead you to go that far?

We will be going to the NCAA Final Four this year and will be returning with an NCAA Championship. My Coach is the reason we have had so much success this season and the reason we will continue to be successful. Coach understands every aspect of the game of lacrosse and more importantly understands what it takes to be a champion.