2011 Girls’ High School Lacrosse area outlook

The lacrosse season is going to get a bit of a late start after a white winter followed by a soggy start to spring. Already some games have been postponed due to unplayable field conditions. But when they do get on the field, here is a short outlook on what to expect from area teams:

Edward Little

If it’s possible, the Red Eddies are even younger this season than they were a year ago. The biggest difference? Experience. Despite dressing just two seniors at the varsity level, the Edward Little lineup is laced with returning talent. At the front end, the Eddies are looking for some key contributions from Kate Sawyer and Shelbea Russell, a pair of sophomores, and Gabby Lapierre, a junior. How well those players and the rest of the front line adjust to increased playing time will be a big factor in the team’s result this season. On the back end, Maddie Williamson and Ashley Butler will be looked upon to eat a lot of minutes, and, with the help of juniors Tori Couture and Courtney Pelletier, will need to be a solid defensive presence as the Eddies break in a yet-to-be-determined new goalkeeper. The coaching staff at EL is optimistic that the team can make some forward strides this season in anticipation of an even bigger move forward a year from now.

Lewiston

There’s nowhere to go but up for the Blue Devils this season, after finishing 11th out of 11 teams last year. But the Blue Devils aren’t going to be satisfied with just a small improvement. With almost every position player returning from a year ago, a good group of seniors and some fast-learning athletes with experience in other sports, this team could see a drastic move in the standings. Saba Naji, Sara Marden and Christine Belanger highlight the team’s offensive threat, and defender Emily Paione, only a sophomore, has already grown into one of the better back line players and will log serious minutes. Kelsey Dumond and Kenzie Sullivan, both athletes on other teams at the school but new to lacrosse, are picking up the sport quickly. The girls have set a lofty goal for themselves, while the coaching staff is attempting to temper expectations, at least early in the season. Coach Christy Gardner believes the team has playoff potential, saying the team “has the athletic talent,” but that the goal this season will be to develop specific skills as the team trudges through the regular season in an attempt to qualify for the six-team playoff field.

Mountain Valley

The Falcons were a young squad a year ago, and still managed, thanks to some veteran goaltending and a 78-goal season from Ayla Allen, to finish with five wins in their 12 games. A schedule reshuffle this season leaves Mountain Valley with only 11 games on the schedule, but with virtually everyone returning, the promise remains for an improved record and possibly a playoff berth. Allen, still only a junior, will continue to get her opportunities, but coach Rick White said finding some balance up front will be a big key. The other factor will be between the pipes. White will be starting fresh, and even with the season about to begin, it’s unclear who will be wearing the extra pads and carrying the bigger stick. One thing is for sure, though: The job will be easier this year than it has been, with an entirely seasoned defense and midfield in place to help deflect some of the pressure.

Oxford Hills

Numbers are down this season, and the Vikings may not have enough players to field a full JV squad. But coach Sarah Proulx is excited about the players she does have, calling them “hard-working,” and avowing that the team’s chemistry “has never been so good.”

Hannah Warren has stepped out of the shadows in the preseason and has become the leader the Vikings need her to be. She and Marisa Hanning will be two solid scoring threats and field generals for the squad, and will be instrumental in helping the newer players, some of whom have never played the sport. On the back end, the Vikings will look to Lacy Landry and Jillian Jacobs to eat most of the minutes in the defensive end, and Danielle Allen will be one of the team’s key utility players. A new player in net will be a tough early-season obstacle, but Proulx seems impressed with that position so far, as well. If the team can avoid ineligibility and injury, the Vikings should be a mid-pack contender at least in the crowded KVAC.