Women's Lax: CCBC Essex an Afterthought No More

Don't look now, but the men's lacrosse team is not the only program at CCBC Essex with national title aspirations.

The Knights women's lacrosse team has quickly become the story among junior college programs. For years considered an afterthought, CCBC Essex women's team entered this week ranked third in the latest NJCAA poll; the same ranking as the school's perennially-strong men's team.

CCBC Essex enters Thursday night's 5 p.m. game at MD JUCO foe Howard Community College with a 7-1 record following at Niagara County Community College and Genesee Community College in New York on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

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The record represents a rapid turnaround for a program that entered the season having and was outscored 223-79 last season.

"It's been a wild ride that's for sure," said CCBC Essex coach Kerri Loechner, who took over the program in 2009 after there was no team from 2006-2008. "This has made all the struggles over the last few years worth it. Lacrosse is fun again at CCBC Essex."

Keying the Knights turnaround is a mix of returning sophomores, recruited freshmen and Division I-caliber talent who ended up at CCBC Essex for a variety of reasons.

Leading that group is freshman midfielder Emily McBee (Mercy), who entered the week tops among MD JUCO players in goals with 25. Other contributors include sophomore midfielder Paige Orpin (20 goals, 8 assists), freshman attack Taylor Jones (20, 11) and freshman midfielder Aloise Diedrich (18 goals).

McBee had plans of playing at , but when that fell through she decided to give CCBC Essex a chance, something she said she is glad she did. She also brought a winning attitude to the Knights after leading Mercy to an IAAM "B" Conference title in 2011.

"Coming here offers players a great bridge between high school and four-year schools," said McBee, who hopes to play at McDaniel next year. "It's exciting to know that we have been part of something special and helping turn CCBC Essex into a destination school."

Goalie Leanne Bittner () took a somewhat similar path to CCBC Essex. Bittner spent the fall semester at Robert Morris before deciding it wasn't the right fit. She has been the leader of the Knights defense and is tops among MD JUCO goalies with 80 saves.

"We have so surpassed all of our expectations," said Bittner, who is exploring options at and Elizabethtown next year. "This season has been a blast and we've shown we can compete against some of the best schools in the country."

Already, CCBC Essex has picked up wins over two nationally-ranked teams in Howard Community College and by scores of 21-9 and 18-8, respectively.

Those wins, players and coaches agree, made the Knights believe that they were a legitimate program for the first time in years. CCBC Essex's only loss so far was a 15-5 loss March 19 at second-ranked Anne Arundel Community College.

"Those wins over state schools felt especially good," said sophomore midfielder Julie Hofmann. "Last year was so tough, which makes this year even better. Now I hope CCBC Essex can be known for more than losing 36 straight games."

Loechner is hoping for the same thing. Already, she said, she has received more inquiries from four-year schools regarding her players and those in high school are more aware of what CCBC Essex has to offer.

"Before I had to sell myself and the school in general," Loechner said. "Now I can point to the success we are having to let other players know they can be a part of this, too."

But before Loechner can worry about the future, she is concentrating on the rest of this season. This includes games at sixth-ranked (April 2), a rematch with Anne Arundel (April 4) and a home game against No. 9 Nassau Community College (NY) on April 22.

Then, the Knights will have the chance to compete in the Region XX playoffs, set for April 28-May 6, with hopes of advancing to the NJCAA national tournament. That is set to take place May 12-13 at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY.

"We just have so much more talent here now," Loechner said. "We're able to play with just about anyone and that's a credit to all the hard work these players have put in this year."