Redhawks' Goalie Lesmerises Enjoys Emotional Pregame Reunion With Brother

Release courtesy of Roberts Wesleyan University Sports Information ROCHESTER, NY – Shawna Lesmerises is used to being the last player introduced before women's lacrosse games at Roberts Wesleyan University. The senior goalkeeper usually runs through a line of teammates and well-wishers, slaps hands with head coach Kristin Paolini and joins her teammates on the field for the national anthem. Lesmerises is not used to having Paolini call her back to look at the University's mascot, "Reggie the Redhawk," but that is what happened prior to Wednesday's East Coast Conference semifinal game against Molloy University. "I just turned around and saw Reggie without a head on and I was like, 'Wait, that's my brother!'" Lesmerises said. Yes, Paolini had plotted with Lesmerises' family on a visit by U.S. Navy Machine Accountant Seaman Anthony "A.J." Lesmerises, who is stationed in Guam and hadn't seen his older sister in 18 months. "Shawna is a huge part of our team, she is the heart of our team," Paolini said. "We just wanted to do something for her and show her how much we love her." Lesmerises shared an emotional embrace with her brother, who joined her on the field and held hands with her during the national anthem. "I was so surprised, I had no clue" Lesmerises said. "Then, instantly, it was just tears. I did not know what to do with myself." Lesmerises, Roberts' career leader with 29 victories, regrouped and went on to make seven saves in the game.  
Read More...