NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Besides preparing for the upcoming season, the Niagara University women’s lacrosse team has been busy sharing their knowledge of lacrosse and offering a hand to the local community during the past month. 

Before holiday break, the team lent their efforts to Sacred Heart Villa School on Lewistown Road and then teamed up with ADPRO Sports/Team Nike in the New Year to host the Purple Eagle Showdown.     

On Dec. 17, 2011, first-year head coach Amber Hill and all 25 student-athletes pitched-in to help rake the leaves, pick up garbage and tidy the surrounding schoolyard for the Sisters of Sacred Heart. 

“I was delighted that the team was enthused to participate in this community service project,” Hill said.  “It was certainly a lot of work, but the girls have such great team chemistry that they turned the project into a fun and stimulating activity. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart truly appreciated the great work that the girls did.”

The team then hit the field from Jan. 7-8, hosting an indoor tournament for local high school lacrosse athletes.  The event included 4v4 contests and the best instruction from Division I lacrosse players and Niagara University coaches.

“The 4V4 Showdown was an ultimate success,” Hill said.  “It was exciting to see area teams, in addition to teams from Rochester, Syracuse and Massena come out to showcase their talent. I was extremely delighted to see such a great turnout at our first annual Showdown. I certainly hope to have a greater turnout next year.”

The Purple Eagle lacrosse players contributed by refereeing the 10 minute running halves, as well as providing participating junior varsity and varsity level athletes with instruction insight into their life as a student-athlete. 

“It was also a great experience for our NU players,” Hill added.  “They reffed the games and provided the young high school players with some instruction and information about what it’s like to be a Division 1 athlete. I certainly hope to continue with this tournament, as well as others in the upcoming future.”

The Purple Eagles begin their season against Albany on Saturday, Feb. 18.  Action is set to begin at 1 p.m.