Last season, the third seed Wayland eliminated Walpole Girls Lacrosse, the second seed, in the Semifinals of MIAA Division II State Tournament to end the team’s season with a 15-3 record. This season, the team wants to replicate that success.
“I hope that we win the Herget and make it deep into the playoffs,” said senior Captain Lauren Hirshom.
However, while four of the Rebels’ key starters graduated, eight of the varsity squad returns for this season. Head Coach Mike Tosone said, “Good programs always find a way to replace players lost through graduation, and I am confident we will do so. “
Senior Captain Molly Lanahan is not worried about filling lineup gaps either. “Even though we lost some very valuable players,” she said, “I still believe we will have a great season because the returning starters all have even more experience and work well together.”
One of those players who will be missed is the Rebels’ best midfielder, graduate Bri Doherty, who now plays for Stonehill College. Doherty was almost unstoppable on the draw circle, and made winning these draws at the start of each game a key part of the Rebels’ game strategy. Therefore, the Rebels need to find someone who can step up to win the draws for the team. One player who may be filling this spot is sophomore Alison Foley, who did help to take some of the draws last season.
On the defensive end the Rebels graduated two of their best defenders: Michele Lucas and Helena Ford, along with their goalie, Erin LeBlanc. However, senior Molly Millete is trying out to be the starting goalie this season. She played some varsity last year and has worked a lot on the off season by playing for club teams like Mass Elite. As for the rest of the defense, Hirshom and sophomore Sophia Giovaniello will anchor the team’s back line, but the other spots remain uncertain.
“This season the defense maybe a challenge for us,” Hirshom said. “We may have a young defense that will need to learn quickly and learn to communicate.”
As for offense, they lost only one offensive player to graduation, so the returning offense is coming back with experience and chemistry after last year.
“I believe that our attack is one of our team’s greatest strengths.” said senior Captain Olivia O’Brien. “I know all the returning players have been working a lot in the off season and will be even stronger this year with more experience.”
Another area that the Rebels are feel is one of their greatest strengths is the transition game. “We have fast midfielders and defense who can clear the ball well and work well together,” said Lanahan.
Although their first game is scheduled for March 28 against Mansfield, they will most likely have some schedule-changes because of the snow. Despite the practices in the parking lot and gymnasium for the first week of practice, their outlook remains the same.
“Our goal is always the same – To be fast, smart, and tough, all the time, every game,” said Coach Tosone. “The wins will take care of themselves, if we do those things.”
