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Elizabeth Schaffner, a 1998 graduate of Loyola College, begins her 11th season as an assistant coach for the George Mason women's lacrosse team. Her responsibilities include scouting opponents and coordinating the Mason defensive unit. Schaffner also assists with recruiting, as well as planning and organizing practices and summer and winter camps. Schaffner's influence on the Patriots' defense has been evident over the years. In her first season with the Green and Gold, Mason concluded the season ranked 12th nationally in scoring defense after allowing a school-record low 121 goals. In 2002, the Patriots listed 26th in the nation in caused turnovers and ranked second in the nation in that category in 2003 and 2004. In 2005, Mason rated fifth nationally in caused turnovers per contest, marking its third straight top-five finish. In 2007, Mason was among the national leaders again, ranking fifth in the country in caused turnovers per game and ninth in ground balls per game. Last year, the Patriots' defensive unit ranked fifth in the nation in caused turnovers per game and sixth in ground balls per game. Schaffner has helped develop several first-team All-CAA defenders, including Michele Brady, Kerry Miller, Paula Priest and most recently Maggie Bridges, who was named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year last season. Schaffner was also instrumental in mentoring IWLCA All-American and 2000 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, Kinsley O'Garrow, as well as All-American and 2005 CAA Player of the Year, Meg Dentler, in goal. A native of Annapolis, Md., Schaffner started 62 of 66 career games for Loyola. During her four seasons, her squad reached the NCAA Tournament three times, in addition to winning the Colonial Athletic Association regular season title in three of those seasons. In her senior year, Loyola made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament before losing in overtime to Dartmouth 9-8. In 1997, Maryland defeated Loyola, 9-8, in the national championship. Earlier that year during the regular season, Loyola broke Maryland's 50-game winning streak. In 1996, the Greyhounds fell in the semifinals, losing 19-4 to Maryland. During her time at Loyola, Schaffner's teams lost just two games in the CAA and 13 total. The Greyhounds were undefeated during the CAA regular seasons in 1996, 1997 and 1998. In 1998, Schaffner anchored the Loyola defense that allowed just 5.54 goals per game, which was the best in the nation. Her squad was ranked seventh in the NCAA in scoring margin, outscoring their opponents 5.46 goals per game. In the summer of 1998, Schaffner played for South I in the National Tournament. Upon graduation, she was chosen to play in the North/South Senior All-Star Game. Schaffner was also a standout in the classroom, graduating with a 3.4 overall grade-point-average and earning her degree in elementary education. She was on the Dean's List for two years with an overall GPA of 3.5 and in 1998, was named to the IWLCA All-Academic Team. Schaffner was an All-American lacrosse player at St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, Md. She was named her team's MVP as a junior and received the Unsung Hero Award her senior season. Schaffner's sister, Sarah, played lacrosse for Mount St. Mary's College. Her father, Bill, is the George Mason women's lacrosse team videographer. Schaffner received her master's degree in higher education from George Mason in May of 2007. The Schaffner File Year: 11th Born: May 12, 1976 Hometown: Annapolis, Md. Alma Mater: Loyola, 1998 Degree: Elementary Education |
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