Sports
By Jessica Garrison
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March 27, 2001
For any athlete, there are some traits that simply cannot be taught: the height of a basketball player, the deft touch of a good quarterback, or, in the case of women's lacrosse player Jamie Haas, a strong left-handed attack.
Most women's lacrosse players at the collegiate level learn how to switch dominant hands reliably, but defenders still try to guard the right side first and push the attacker to their "weak side."
Haas' left side is her strong side, which can cause all sorts of problems for opposing defenses.
"It looks different coming out of her stick for a goalie, and defense is forced to remember she's left-handed," Virginia coach Julie Myers said.
Combine Haas' genetic luck with speed and composure, and you have an offensive monster.
Last year, Haas was an All-American for the second year in a row with 58 points (36 goals, 22 assists). She scored in 27 consecutive games, by far the longest streak by any Virginia women's lacrosse player, and closed out the season ranked 10th on Virginia's all-time scoring list.
"Ever since I started playing, I've always focused on attack," Haas said.
Her expertise shows.