Division Varsity A
his years Washington Girls Lacrosse League is
looking forward to an extremely exciting
season. All roads lead to Seahawk Stadium this
year which will be an unprecedented venue for
Washington State lacrosse. The competition to
play in the championship game there on May 17th
will be fierce. Each year the level of lacrosse
talent increases by leaps and bounds. Several
new teams have formed this year at the jv and
middle school level. Many varsity programs are
welcoming players who have participated in
lacrosse since middle school. All of these
factors push the talent level up come play-off
time. With some major coaching changes in the
league this year, and some strong programs
graduating large numbers of seniors, the league
could possibly have a different look this year.
One thing is for sure, it will be competitive.
Here is a preview of what can be expected
from the Varsity A league this year.
BAINBRIDGE
As reigning State Champions Bainbridge Island is
facing some major changes. With the graduation
of a large portion of their starting line up,
the team will look to rebuild on the heels of
last years success. Of major note is the
coaching change for this year. Janelle Mueller
will replace Tami Tommila as
head coach. Assisting her will be Karen Bech.
Both Mueller and Bech played for Tommila at
Bainbridge and have served as her assistant
coaches. They are well familiar with the system
that has been so successful. As a well
established program that always draws many
players to the sport, look for Bainbridge to
well in the hunt this season.
Forest Ridge
After successfully winning a tight battle for
the State Title in the B league under coach
Effie Wardenburg, Forest Ridge looks to
establish itself as a force in the A league.
With no jv program the varsity team will look to
the experience and talent of its older players,
and the tenacity of a young and athletic group
of freshmen. Senior Captain Jackie Spencer, one
of the leagues premier players, leads the charge
on the field with strong stick skills, a
constant threat to goal, and uncanny defensive
know-how. Captain Katie Malone looks to add to
the team with her assists and strong team
leadership. Juniors Leslie Walker and Kate
Phillips also add to a well rounded offensive
team with great transitional play and ability to
find the net. Monica Mcquaid gives the team
strength in the midfield with talented ball
handling, speed, and excellent field sense.
Look for Brooklyn lewis and Liz Voeller and
Christine Jones to support her defensively.
HOLY NAMES
Holy Names looks to rebuild after graduating 15
seniors last year. 90 percent of the varsity
and jv teams are freshman and sophomores. With
a long tradition of high school lacrosse in the
Northwest and a well established jv program,
however, look for a young Holy Names team to
jump right into the action under the leadership
and experience of Coach Kelly Cox. Coach Cox
has the ability to bring out the competitor in
her players and will no doubt look to do so
right away.
LAKESIDE
After a successful season last year finishing in
the semi-finals Lakeside looks to re-establish
itself as one of the strongest programs in the
Northwest. As one of the leagues elite players,
Liz Morbeck will lead the Lions on the field
this year. Helping her will be Lakeside talents
Sarah Kim and Mallory Lobisser. Coach Lauren
Schwartz has the experience necessary to have
yet another winning season and a possible
playoff birth. Assisting Coach Schwartz is
Sandy Schneider.
MERCER ISLAND
Having graduated 8 seniors this past year Mercer
Island will not be without the necessary "man
power". 55 players came out this year says
coach Sarah Milo. In her second year coach
Milo heads up the largest girls program in the
Northwest. "The learning curve was steep", she
said of her first year. Look for them to
continue to discover their potential and benefit
from their developmental programs.
OVERLAKE
Another major coaching change in the league this
year comes with Jenny Owens taking over for long
time Overlake coach Sue Haviland. Owens was a
player/coach at Whitman college and is fresh out
of the college ranks. The runner-ups for last
years state title, Overlake should make a smooth
transition with the help of a strong returning
line up. Captains Raffinee Eller and Laura
Uhlmansick will lead the attack with Anna Derent
at center and Chelsea Mortel on defense. Look
for the Owls to be well in the hunt this year
come May. Assisting Coach Owens is Bob Bristol.
PANTHERS
According to coach Steph Cone, the Panthers team
fully expects to be in Seahawk Stadium competing
for the State title on May 17th. In the third
year as a varsity program the Panthers have
improved exponentially each year under coach
Cone. Last year they found themselves in the
semi-finals. Key players for the Panthers will
be Captains Jessica Verilli and Noelle
Anderson. Anderson looks to lead the defense
along with point Sara Gasparich. The Panthers
will rely on Seniors Joanne Krochalis and Lauren
Bailey to score. League stand out Verilli will
lead the team with her ability on the draw and
her ability as an attacking center, the least of
which is a constant scoring threat. Assisting
her in the midfield will be Juniors Caity
Travers and Meredith Rockwell. In goal will be
Christine
O'Connell.
Steph Cone is assisted by Coach Gail Loveland.
