WEST HAVEN, Conn. - The University of New Haven women's lacrosse team, ranked No. 9 in the most recently IWLCA Division II National Poll, kicks off the 2012 season on Thursday, March 8 when it travels to Molloy College. Head coach Jen Fallon enters her sixth season guiding the Chargers who are coming off their third 10-win season under Fallon's leadership. The Chargers look to continue their postseason success in 2012.

The team returns 11-of-12 starters from last year's team, including the program's second-leading point scorer Ashley Ferrandiz (West Sayville, N.Y./Sayville). In her final season, Ferrandiz enters the year with 225 total points (143 goals, 82 assists). She already holds the program record for assists and ranks third in goals, while needing just 20 more points to tie current record holder and assistant coach Brigid Brady for the program record in points.

Also returning in 2012 is the leading scorer from last year's team, Alexis Gabbe (Malverne, N.Y./Malverne). The senior ranked among the nation's best last season with 74 goals and 14 assists. She scored on nearly 60-percent of her shots and started in all 18 games. Fellow seniors Emily Buckley-Matura (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Kearney / Saint Lawrence), Sarah Magnone (Yardley, Penn./Villa Joseph Marie), Aubrey Duncan (Patchogue, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford) and Maureen Spellman (Trumbull, Conn./Saint Joseph) add to the very experienced Charger squad. Spellman and Duncan joined Gabbe and Ferrandiz on the 2011 IWLCA All-Region Team.

After opening the season on the road, New Haven kicks off its 2012 home schedule with a non-conference clash with Mercy College on Saturday, March 10. Game time at Kayo Field is set for 1 p.m. The Chargers travel for one more non-conference game at Belmont Abbey College on Tuesday, March 13 before opening Northeast-10 Conference play at home on Wednesday, March 21 against Assumption College. Other highlights from the season include a non-conference match-up with C.W. Post on Wednesday, March 28 at Kayo Field and a NE-10 game against Adelphi University on Tuesday, April 24. Click here for the complete 2012 women's lacrosse schedule.

The 2012 New Haven women's lacrosse media guide is now available online only. Click here for the 2012 New Haven women's lacrosse media guide.

Below, watch the 2012 New Haven women's lacrosse season preview with head coach Jen Fallon on the most recent taping of the Charlie's Cavalry Coach's Show. Make sure to check back throughout the season as the Coach's Show features student-athletes of the week and weekly interviews with UNH coaches.