With the season being just about over, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team is throwing their whole hearts and bodies into the playoffs.

The most intense game this season came when the team played Churchill. The girls didn’t get off to the strongest start and battled with bad calls and rough plays through the game. The team did pull through in an intense second half, leading to a well-earned 11-10 win. “The season has been amazing so far,” senior Jess Winson said.

The team has been working on new plays to help improve the way they play and see the game. “Some plays we have are Pat, Lego and Twix. We tested out some other ideas but these are the ones that we agreed were best. They are perfect because they are all for different situations,” freshman Maya Bellamy said.

The team’s skill has improved and so has the team’s competition. Conditioning, strength training and skill work are all a part of the team’s practice schedules for their daily practice. “We’ve been able to play in a lot of really competitive games, which has been good,” Winson said.

The girls may spend time on the field together but that doesn’t stop them from continuing to spend time off the field as well. The team takes their team bonding almost as seriously as their games. A bonded cohesive team makes for a better team. Bonding ranges from diners after practice to nighttime Carmen’s Ice runs after practice or games. “Team bonding activities are always so much fun,” senior Ashley Cook said.

Along with bonding comes team chemistry. With new players coming up to varsity means the team’s chemistry has changed a few times. Captains Sofie Vinnick, Jessica Winson, and Mandy Schoen have been making sure the team continues to bond throughout the rest of their season. “Their dynamic is amazing since we all work together,” Berman said.

The team’s current standing is 5-5. They beat Clarksburg 8-2, Richard Montgomery 11-7, Churchill 11-10, and Paint Branch 13-1. The team also won on their senior night against Poolesville 9-6. The team suffered losses against Whitman 15-2, Quince Orchard 12-2, Walter Johnson 15-5, Bethesda- Chevy Chase 15-3 Sherwood 15-3, Blair with a score of 7-11 and Northwest 7-6. Through the games the team was seen on breakaway runs several times. Senior Jess Winson would be seen running upwards on 40 yards several times in a half. From there she would pass to freshman Emory Scofield or senior Gillian Berman. These little give and go plays often resulted in goals for the teams and were the most common play for the girls.

The team’s final game of the regular season was against Montgomery Blair and they lost 11-7. “So far the season has been fun with a lot of ups and downs. “The highlight so far was beating Churchill 11-10,” Shad said.
The team begins playoffs on May 10 at home against Churchill at 5:30 p.m..