by Dylan Sondike ‘24

Senior attacker Greer Cohen runs from an Urbana defender and prepares to pass the ball during the first game of the new season. Photo by Yusra Husain ’22

As spring sports start up again, the varsity girls lacrosse team is looking to avenge a 15-6 semi-final loss against Anne Arundel High School last season. In their first game to start the new season, the team lost in a nail biter to Urbana by a score of 10-9 but rebounded on March 25 to beat Damascus 16-6 and win 19-1 on March 28 against Blair. Despite the early loss, both players and coaches have high hopes for the team.

“I am looking forward to a full season,” said Coach Kelly Hughes. “The last two years were hard on everyone. Getting to play last year is something we are all grateful for but playing some of those same teams twice was heartbreaking for us. We had to really push each other at practice since the games were not competitive. This year we are very excited to have a tougher schedule, opportunities to watch film, implement new tactics, and play full games.”

Hughes adds that she has high expectations for her team. She said that almost all of the starters from last year have returned, and she thinks they are ready for a “stellar” season guided by the leadership from the seniors. The goal is to go to the state finals, though the schedule is tougher this year, which has already been seen in the loss to Urbana. Hughes added that the Warriors defense is talented.

Senior Brooke Walsh, who Hughes remarked often makes key plays while playing both midfield and offense, said that she and other seniors want to make this season a memorable one as they get ready to close their high school chapter. Walsh explained why the team’s speed is such an asset. “Due to the importance of speed in lacrosse, our team is able to obtain possession of the ball more frequently, allowing us to outscore our opponents,” said Walsh. “With our passes, shots, ground balls, cuts, defensive slides, and offensive motions, our team has a propensity to be speedy. Our team’s speed has helped us become one of the best in the county.”

Walsh has led the team in scoring including four goals against Urbana, followed by five against Damascus. Sophomore goalie Savannah Weisman has faced about 15 shots on average per game. The Warriors play at home tonight at 7 p.m. against Rockville