Coming off a very strong 10-3 season last year, the Girls Lacrosse Team begins a much-anticipated season. This year’s squad should have no trouble upholding the winning tradition expected of Girls Lacrosse. The Class of ’04 was a strong class and the team has lost much of its speed; but iwth many players ready to step up and an influx of young talent the team is expecting a strong season. With a combination of experience and youth, the ’05 Girls Lacrosse team expects to once again be a contender for the tournament championship. On offense, the Girls in Blue will have much firepower; attack figures to be the strongest aspect of this year’s team. Steph Krant ’05, who scored 24 goals last year, leads the offense from her midfield position. Returnees also include Co-captain Laurel Sticklor ’05 who scored 10 goals last year and Katherine Dix ’05 who netted 13. Most of the incoming talent is on offense. The new players will help make up for the huge amount of speed that was lost with the graduation of last year’s seniors. The Big Blue will have no trouble scoring this year but, if goals are hard to come by, the defense will be more than able carry the team. The team lost its two best players to graduation and both girls played defense however this season’s team looks to be just as strong. The main reason for this is the continued improvement of goalie Julie Wadland ’06 who started all of last year as a lower. Her experience and talent should stabilize the defense as new players become accustomed to their increased roles. Skylar Washburn ’05, JeanMarie Gossard ’05 and Tess Scott ’06 will play the main parts in replacing the lost talent and they will have plenty of support. As Co-captain Kelly Stecker ’05 says, “We have more defensive players than offensive players or midfielders. But they are all versatile so expect our defenders to move up periodically and help the offense and midfielders.” That versatility will be critical if the team is going to improve on last season’s successes. If the defense steps up-and there is no reason to believe it shouldn’t-this spring’s team could be very successful. Last year’s success has only made the players hungrier for a championship. The team feels they had a chance to do better last year but gave away a couple games. This year’s seniors are determined to not let that happen. Krant says the team is “looking forward to avenging our losses last year to Loomis, Groton and Taft.” These seniors know how to win and their confidence rubs off. “We have a lot of leadership on this team, not just from the captains but from every senior,” states Stecker. The coaches have to be excited for their team’s prospects.
