Maybe people began noticing right from the beginning of the season. Or maybe it was the amazing comeback and victory against Bullis that got everyone’s attention. Or perhaps no one has even been thinking about the Girls’ Lacrosse team. Regardless, the story of this team is one of perseverance, drive, and, sadly, a lack of attention from the St. Andrew’s community.
The success of this team has risen only slowly, hushed by the cheers of the dedicated fans of boys’ teams or other sports. With a history marked by frustration and disappointment, this new team comes not as a relief, but an opportunity. This reflects the general philosophy of the team: work hard, play from start to finish, and work together. Captain Lindy Hill (Junior) describes this team as the best she has seen. “We have a whole new set of freshmen, which is really good for our team. Last year we were just relying on a couple players, rather than the whole team, so I think that really helps the team dynamic.” This dynamic has developed and taken shape neither overnight nor easily, but with the hard work and dedication of each individual team member since the season began.
It is an injustice to this group of passionate girls, then, that not even a mention of their new success is normally heard in our hallways. With the first winning record Girls’ Lacrosse has seen in a long time, they are a team no one should want to miss. Just this past Tuesday, following a sweeping 18-8 victory over Sandy Spring Friends School, the team honored its seniors in Senior Recognition after the game. Three talented seniors – Abby Kaufman, Cat Wagner, and Stephanie Quintero – celebrated the win, which was the last regular season game before playoffs begin. They truly believe that this is the team that could win a banner.
The point is, this progress is well earned. The goal-oriented team describes a few more kinks they plan on working out, such as better shot placement, draw controls, transitions, and double-teams. Captain Lindy Hill urges everyone, “We have gotten so much better over the years and I think people really forget that we’re a really good team. They should totally come out and support us because we do have a lot of potential and we could get a banner this year,” she continues, “so come out and support the girls!”
Playoffs began yesterday, Thursday, May 12 with a game against Georgetown Day School and the Lady Lions won with a resounding 19-9! Earlier in the season, when they first encountered GDS, the Lady Lions beat them with an almost 10 goal differential, and they did so again yesterday! Tomorrow, Saturday May 14, they play Episcopal High School in the semi-finals, the first time they have gotten there in five years! Come out and support the girls and let the triumphant and continuing story of the Girls’ Lacrosse team be, not ignored and forgotten, but galvanized with glory!