The girls’ varsity lacrosse team began tryouts on Apr. 16. Tryouts consisted of running, drills, and scrimmages. Although there were no cuts, the coaches decided on JV and varsity rosters.

Coach Casey Fletcher has been the varsity lacrosse coach for three years and is also the varsity field hockey coach. “It is pretty cool that I get to have the same coach for multiple sports,” sophomore Sofie Vinick said.

The girls have been finding ways to improve their skills in the long off-season. “To prepare for the season, I’ve been meeting up with friends to pass around and I’ve also been doing club practices outside of school,” sophomore Jessica Winston said.

Winston looks to make a big impact this year, as she was unable to do so last year because of the cancelled season. Winston has been playing lacrosse for as long as she can remember. “I’m looking forward to getting closer with the team and actually being able to play games this season, ” Winston said.

The team has been practicing every day after school. COVID restrictions have been strictly enforced with mask wearing at all times as well as social distancing measures in place. Additionally, only two fans are allowed at games per family member. “I am just excited to play no matter the circumstances,” Winston said.

With several underclassmen on varsity, it is important to have strong leadership to be role models for them. The team voted seniors Paige Abid, Eleni Jones and junior Nicole Jesek to be this year’s captains. “We have a lot of leaders on this team and I learn a lot from them,” Vinick said.

Several lacrosse players are multi-sport athletes. Vinick also played field hockey in the fall. “It was definitely cool to go straight from field hockey season into lacrosse this year,” Vinick said.

The girls traveled to Blair on May 6 to take on the Blazers in the first of two matchups this season. Vinick and Abid led the team with three and two goals respectively. The offense was not enough as the Patriots lost 13-6.

The Patriots also lost on May 12 against Whitman at home.