GO EAGLES!
CONGRATULATIONS to our 6 players who made Team Georgia1 - Elizabeth Bunn, Lydia Cassada, Heather Harman, Amanda Lockwood, Lauren Ragsdale, and Melissa Teel!!! They will be competing in the National Tournament at Stony Brook University in New York May 28-29
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bunn for being named as a 2011 High School Underclassmen All-American. The National Lacrosse Classic brings the top high school underclassmen lacrosse players in the country to one venue, where regional teams will compete to become the 2011 USA Champion.
Milton Girls Defeat Roswell in Lacrosse Championship Game
Lady Eagles win sixth state title in seven years.
By Kent McCorkle | May 14, 2011
Roswell visited Milton in the GHSA AAAAA Girls Lacrosse State Championship game.
Roswell, ranked third in the state, was unable to generate much offense against the reigning state champion Eagles. Coming into the final game, Milton had scored more than 20 points against their opponents in every 2011 playoff round.
It was obvious from the first draw that the Eagles had not lost any of their scoring pace. Milton's Lydia Cassada scored three goals inside the first three minutes of the game. She went on to score three more before the contest was over.
Blair Ray put in the first goal for the Lady Hornets at the 21:34 mark of the first half. She led all Roswell scorers with four goals in the game.
By the end of the first half, the Lady Eagles had built a convincing 17-6 lead over Roswell.
Milton put in eight more goals in the second half, while holding the Lady Hornets scoreless, to take the win 25-6.
The victory gives the Milton Lady Eagles their sixth AAAAA state championship in the past seven years.
Annie Ruland lead all scorers with seven goals for Milton. The Eagles' Lydia Cassada scored six times.
LM South Region Report: May 11, 2011
by Colleen O'Connell | LaxMagazine.com
© Scott McCall
Player of the Week
Sarah Urdahl, St. John's (Texas)
With St. John's up by one with 22 seconds to go, Urdahl won a pivotal draw control that allowed the Mavericks to run out the clock in the state finals versus Cy-Fair. Urdahl, who did not have a sub throughout the entire state championship game, won nine draws and scored two goals against the Iron Maidens. She also had four goals in the first round game versus Bowie, and six draws and two goals against Hockaday in the semifinals.
South Region Top 10
1. Vero Beach (Fla.) - 22-0 - A legacy continued as the Fighting Indians captured their sixth on-field state championship on Saturday. Vero Beach defeated Lake Brantley in the FHSAA semifinals and then Winter Springs in the finals.
2. Milton (Ga.) - 17-1-1 - Two wins in the first round of the GHSA playoffs sent the Eagles into Tuesday's semifinals against Walton.
3. Cy-Fair (Texas) - 6-2 - The Iron Maidens began the TGHSLL state championships with a 19-10 win over Ursuline in the semifinals, but fell 17-15 to St. John's in the title game.
4. Lake Brantley (Fla.) - 18-3 - The season ended for the Patriots with a 16-4 loss to Vero Beach in the FHSAA semifinals.
5. Westminster (Ga.) - 19-1 - The Wildcats began their GHSA A-AAAA title defense with wins over Lovett and Blessed Trinity in the first two rounds. Westminster faces McIntosh in Wednesday's semifinals.
6. Winter Springs (Fla.) - 19-5 - A 19-9 FHSAA semifinal victory versus Pine Crest pushed the Bears' winning-streak to 12 games, but Winter Springs fell to Vero Beach in the finals to close out the season.
7. St. John's (Texas) - 18-8 - A strong finish to the season, the Mavericks successfully defended their TGHSLL state title on Sunday. Going 3-0 in the TGHSLL state playoffs last week, St. John's defeated Bowie, then upset Hockaday in the semifinals and stunned Cy-Fair in the finals.
8. Hockaday School (Texas) - 17-5 - The Daisies saw their season end with a 12-9 loss to eventual state champion St. John's in the TGHSLL semifinals.
9. Apex (N.C.) - 18-0 - After a first-round bye, Apex won its district and sectional rounds of the NCHSAA playoffs en route to advancing to face Cardinal Gibbons the regional round.
10. Ursuline Academy (Texas) - 10-4 - The Bears' season ended with a 19-10 loss to Cy-Fair in the TGHSLL semifinals.
Game of the Week
Westminster vs. McIntosh, Wednesday 5 p.m.
Two of Georgia's top A-AAAA teams clash on Wednesday night with a berth to the GHSA A-AAAA state championship on the line. It will be the first meeting between the two teams this year. Westminster has only suffered two losses in the last two seasons - both to AAAAA's Milton. McIntosh is unbeaten so far this season, winning 15 games and tying one. The winner of Wednesday night's game faces the winner of the Chattahoochee-Holy Innocents semifinal in the state championship on Saturday.
News and Notes
Vero Beach has the nation's longest current winning-streak with 60 games. Previous leader Okemos saw its 63-game winning streak end last Friday... Georgia and North Carolina will each crown state champions this weekend, while Kentucky's state playoffs get underway on Thursday...St. Agnes Academy took the TGHSLL Division II title on Sunday with a 23-11 win over Southlake Carroll...Three Vero Beach players had at least four goals in the state championship game against Winter Springs. Samantha MacCurdy had a game-high six goals, while McKenzie Smith and Courtney Swan recorded five and four goals, respectively.
Milton Lady Eagles Blow Out Walton; Will Battle Roswell For State Title
The Milton High School Girls Lacrosse team routed Walton 22-7 on their way to the State Fainals against Roswell on Saturday.
By Ken Gustafson | May 11, 2011
The Milton Lady Eagles Lacrosse Team, ranked No. 1 in the state in Class AAAAA with a record of 18-1-1, showed Tuesday night why they are at the top by thrashing No. 5 ranked Walton 22-7 in the Class AAAAA Girls Semifinals.
They now will battle Roswell on Saturday for the Class AAAAA State Championship. Walton ends their season with a record of 16-4.
Sophomore Lydia Cassada scored five goals and Junior Amanda Lockwood scored four to lead Milton's high-powered offense to the win over the Lady Raiders. Walton had absolutely no answer as to how to stop Milton. The Lady Eagles took off early and never looked back.
"The key to the game was how we started. We came out on fire, hitting our first six shots," Milton head coach Tim Godby said.
"They got the first three draws, but we were able to turn them over. We started getting draw possession, and we were just able to do whatever we wanted to do on offense tonight," Godby said.
The Lady Eagles hit the first of those six shots with just 1:55 into the match as Lydia Cassada took a pass from Amanda Lockwood and scored the first of her five first half goals.
Less then a minute later, Lockwood scored to make it 2-0 Milton.
Walton's Hannah Single scored the Lady Raiders' first goal of the match.
However, Milton answered immediately as Cassada scored her second goal, and the rout was on. The Lady Eagles scored 11 unanswered goals before Maddie Seiloff scored Walton's second goal of the game. Milton took a 14-2 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Lady Eagles picked up right where they left off, outscoring the Lady Raiders. Annie Ruland scored the first two goals of the second half for Milton.
Though Walton scored some goals late in the game, the Lady Raiders were never able to stop the Lady Eagles' offense.
Milton went on to win 22-7 and earn a berth in the State Title game against Roswell on Saturday.
In addition to Cassada's five goals and Lockwood's four, Annie Ruland also had four goals for the Eagles. Junior Paige Winsness scored two goals. Sophomores Melissa Teel, Molly Garrigan and Anne Shenk each had one goal. Other goal scorers for the Lady Eagles were senior Francesca Mowry, freshmen McKenzie Lech and Maggie Degnan and junior Natalie Derajtys. Each of them had one goal.
For Walton, Hannah Single, Maddie Seiloff and Rachel Joseph each had two goals, and Chandler Tates scored one.
Alpharetta, Milton Teams Continue in State Playoffs
Lacrosse, baseball teams seek titles.
By Bob Pepalis | May 9, 2011
As the school year comes to a close, thoughts are turning to...playoffs. Alpharetta and Milton schools are advancing in baseball and lacrosse state playoffs.
On Tuesday, Milton High girls seek another state lacrosse title, but they have to get by Walton first. The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Milton HIgh's stadium.
Milton will face the winner of the Roswell-Alpharetta game being played at the same time at Alpharetta High for the championship.
On Wednesday afternoon, King's Ridge Christian School gets things rolling as the Tigers take on Mt. Paran in an away game. The Class A doubleheader starts at 2 p.m.
Class AAAAA playoff action continues at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with Duluth visiting Alpharetta High for a doubleheader beginning at 4:30 p.m. The second game starts at 7 p.m.
Milton High's boys lacrosse team gets its shot at the state title, if it can beat Harrison High in the semifinal match at 7 p.m. in an away game
Milton Lady Eagles Win Lacrosse Match Against Newnan - Girls advance to the semifinals in states playoffs. May 7, 2011 Bob Pepalis
The Milton Lady Eagles had little trouble against Newnan on Friday afternoon, beating the team's girls lacrosse playoff opponent 24-4.
Milton faces Walton on Tuesday, May 10 at home at 7 p.m. in one half of the Class AAAAA semifinals. Alpharetta will visit Roswell in the other half. A North Fulton team will be in the finals again this year.
Walton beat Northview 13-9 to make it to the semifinals. Roswell squeaked by Lassiter, 12-11. Alpharetta had an easier time of it, beating Harrison 16-6.
The championship game will be May 14 at either Milton or Walton.
MaxPreps Xcellent 20 National Girls Lacrosse Rankings May 2, 2011
It may not be the Woodstick Classic, the boys lacrosse version of the heated Long Island, N.Y., series between neighboring rivals Manhasset and Garden City.
But when the girls teams from these two schools meet, you can also expect an intense, well-played and well-attended game.
This year's meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Manhasset, which also hosted the boys meeting between the schools this past Saturday, which Garden City won 10-6.
Can the Trojans girls complete the sweep?
Well, they undoubtedly enter the game as the favorite.
The Garden City girls, after all, are going for their sixth straight state title and may be playing their best lacrosse of the season right now.
Manhasset, though, is also playing well, having won five straight and is eager to avenge last year's loss to Garden City that came a year after the Indians outlasted the Trojans 15-12 in overtime.
Nearby, in New Jersey, No. 3 Ridgewood achieved an impressive feat as 20 different players scored goals in a 23-1 win over Holy Angels (N.J.).
Down in Florida, Vero Beach extended its winning streak to 58 straight and is now two wins away from winning another state title.
MAXPREPS XCELLENT 20 NATIONAL GIRLS LACROSSE RANKINGS
1. Garden City (N.Y.), 11-0: The Trojans picked up three weeks in a span of five days last week, including an 18-5 victory against perennial Connecticut power Darien. (Last week's ranking: No. 1)
2. McDonogh (Owings Mills, Md.), 14-0: A 14-8 win over then-No. 6 St. Anthony's highlighted another sparkling week for the Eagles. (Last week's ranking: No. 2)
3. Ridgewood (N.J.), 10-0: Kelci Smesko, with five assists, was the leading scorer for the Maroons in the aforementioned 23-1 victory. Sally Jentis, Caroline Moore and Lindsay Weiner each had two goals. (Last week's ranking: No. 3)
4. Farmingdale (N.Y.), 9-1: Kimberly Kolodny had five goals and had an assist in the Dalers' latest win, 15-6 against Long Beach (N.Y.). (Last week's ranking: No. 4)
5. Vero Beach (Fla.), 19-0: Lucy Sexton had a team-high four goals in a 20-1 win over Naples-Barron (Fla.) in the state tournament. (Last week's ranking: No. 7)
6. West Genesee (Camillus, N.Y.), 10-0: Emily Tripodi had five goals and seven assists, Erica Geremia added six goals and an assist and Katey Hart three goals and five assists in an 18-7 win over Christian Brothers Academy (N.Y.). (Last week's ranking: No. 9)
7. New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.), 14-1: Sacred Heart (N.Y.) ended the Trevians' 11-game win streak last week by picking up a 19-11 win, but New Trier bounced back with three straight wins. (Last week's ranking: No. 5)
8. St. Anthony's (Melville, N.Y.), 8-2: With a 14-8 loss to McDonogh (Md.) last week, the Friars' two losses have come against the nation's top two teams, with the other being an 11-10 overtime setback to No. 1 Garden City (N.Y.). (Last week's ranking: No. 6)
9. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Alexandria, Va.), 21-2: Defense was the difference last week as the Saints allowed just nine goals in three games. (Last week's ranking: No. 11)
10. Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), 16-2: The Falcons fell to St. Anthony's 22-8 last week – their second loss in a five-game span.(Last week's ranking: No. 8)
11. Northport (N.Y.), 9-1: An 18-13 setback to Good Counsel (Md.) is the Tigers' only loss of the season. (Last week's ranking: No. 13)
12. Fox Lane (Bedford, N.Y.), 11-0: The Foxes are five games away from ending the regular season unbeaten. (Last week's ranking: No. 10)
13. Wantagh (N.Y.), 9-2: A May 10 showdown against No. 1 Garden City (N.Y.) awaits the Warriors. (Last week's ranking: No. 14)
14. West Morris Mendham (Mendham, N.J.), 9-1: Mendham has won six straight since falling 11-10 to West Genesee (N.Y.) (Last week's ranking: No. 15)
15. Westwood (Mass.), 10-0: The Wolverines were thoroughly impressive in a 19-3 win against Duxbury (Mass.). (Last week's ranking: No. 16)
16. Alta (Sandy, Utah), 11-0: The defending state champ Hawks have won 39 straight. (Last week's ranking: No. 17)
17. Milton (Ga.), 13-1-1: The Eagles played Summit (N.J.) to an 11-11 tie last week. (Last week's ranking: No. 19)
18. Londonderry (N.H.), 7-0: The Lancers extended their win streak to 41 straight with three wins last week. (Last week's ranking: No. 20)
19. Bryn Mawr (Baltimore), 13-2: An 11-9 loss last week to No. 2 McDonogh shows the Mawrtians can play with anyone. (Last week's ranking: Not ranked)
20. Hauppauge (N.Y.), 10-0: Taylor Ranftle registered five goals and three assists and Jennifer Porretto had four goals and three assists in a 16-5 win at Rocky Point (N.Y.). (Last week's ranking: Not ranked)
Dropped out: Archbishop Carroll (Pa.), No. 12; Medina (Ohio), No. 18
Joe Lombardi writes the "Lax with Joe" blog at LaxLessons.com and is an analyst for the MSG Varsity Television Network. He is also the primary author of the new edition of "Lacrosse for Dummies," which was released last year. He may be reached at joe@laxlessons.com.
Milton girls' lacrosse beats nationally ranked rivals
by Jonathan Copsey
Editor, Milton Heraldwrite the author
April 29, 2011
MILTON, Ga. – Members of the Milton High School girls' lacrosse played at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. where they defeated the fourth-ranked team in the country, Loyola of Chicago, by a score of 15-14.
The underdog Milton girls also defeated highly ranked teams from Maryland (Holy Cross) 12-8 and New Jersey (Rumson-Fair Haven) 13-11 in Northern Virginia at the annual "Spring Fling" at St. Stephens St. Agnes High School. The Milton girls are currently ranked 13th in the country by ESPN Rise Magazine.
Milton Girls Overwhelm North Forsyth
Lacrosse match ends with Lady Eagles winning, 22-2
By Bob Pepalis | Email the author | 11:00am
The Milton High Lady Eagles lacrosse team sent North Forsyth home in defeat, 22-2. The multiple state titles won by the home team gave the Lady Raiders notice that it would be a tough match. Regular swapping of goalies didn't help the visitors hold off the Lady Eagles.
Rankings Whirlwind: Much like the storms that ripped through the East Coast last week, the POWERADE FAB 50 underwent a similar shakeup based on a few interstate results along with some upsets.
Notably, when Sacred Heart Academy (Hempstead, N.Y.) defeated former Top 20 teams Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.) and New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.) it proved that the Empire State could be the deepest state in terms of talent in the country.
Combine that result with Ohio teams defeating one another and Wilton (Wilton, Conn.) downing one of New York's top teams and this week's FAB 50 has 12 new teams and a very different look this week.
*Records are through Saturday games.
STATE RANKINGS: Preseason | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Rank School (City, State) Record Prev
1 McDonogh (Owings Mills, Md.) 14-0 1
While the season is not over, the Eagles may have cleared its biggest hurdle to a second straight FAB 50 National Championship – defeating former No. 5 St. Anthony's (N.Y.), 14-8, last week.
2 Garden City (Garden City, N.Y.) 11-0 2
Garden City faces three FAB 50 teams this week, including a May 7 game against No. 15 Northport.
3 Ridgewood (Ridgewood, N.J.) 11-0 3
Ridgewood scored 42 goals in two games last week, but a test against No. 9 St. Anthony's (N.Y.) looms on May 7.
4 Fox Lane (Bedford, N.Y.) 11-0 4
The Foxes get a slight break this week, facing teams with a combined record of 11-18.
5 West Genesee (Camillus, N.Y.) 10-0 6
The Wildcats have outscored its last two opponents 43-12 and have scored at least 20 goals in four games this season.
6 Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.) 20-0 7
A rematch against No. 39 Lake Brantley in the state semifinals occurs on May 6.
7 Farmingdale (Farmingdale, N.Y.) 9-1 9
The Dalers' schedule gets easier this week as they face teams with a combined record of 5-12 before seeing Massapequa (8-3) on May 11.
8 Mendham (Mendham, N.J.) 9-1 10
The Minutemen's defense continues to impress, having allowed more than eight goals in a game just once this season. Last week Mendham allowed just six goals in two games.
9 St. Anthony's (South Huntington, N.Y). 8-2 5
It was a week of mixed results for St. Anthony's during a trip to Maryland – having downed No. 14 Good Counsel, 22-8, but then falling to No. 1 McDonogh, 14-8.
10 Milton (Milton, Ga.) 15-1-1 13
Milton's regular season ended last week. The Eagles face Collins Hill in the first round of the playoffs on May 3.
11 Pittsford (Pittsford, N.Y.) 8-0 20
The Panthers continue to climb the FAB 50 this season, but face Penfield and Irondequoit this week – teams that combine for a 12-4 record.
12 John Carroll (Bel Air, Md.) 9-2 21
The Patriots face No. 18 Bryn Mawr this week before ending the regular season on May 3.
13 Hauppauge (Hauppauge, N.Y.) 10-0 33
The Eagles have continued to dominate in Class B, holding opponents to five goals or less seven times this season.
14 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) 16-2 12
Good Counsel fell for the second time this season, losing to No. 9 St. Anthony's (N.Y.), but bounced back against No. 25 Moorestown (N.J.) to end the regular season.
15 Northport (Northport, N.Y.) 9-1 17
The Tigers have a tough road this week, facing No. 26 West Islip and No. 2 Garden City to bookend the week. A game against East Islip (7-3) is sandwiched between those tough matchups.
16 Wilton (Wilton, Conn.) 8-1 NR
Wilton earns a spot in the FAB 50 for the first time this season based on a win over No. 21 Lakeland-Panas (N.Y.) combined with an impressive showing by other New York teams this season.
17 Westminster (Westminster, Md.) 8-0 31
The Owls' 17-6 win over former FAB 50 team Winters Mill was impressive, considering Winters Mill lost to No. 14 Good Counsel by just two goals.
18 Bryn Mawr (Baltimore, Md.) 13-2 23
The Mawrtians downed No. 30 Radnor last week and end their regular season against No. 12 John Carroll on May 2.
19 Londonderry (Londonderry, N.H.) 7-0 22
Within two weeks, if Londonderry continues to win would make it just the third team to have a current winning streak of at least 50 games.
20 St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Alexandria, Va.) 21-2 29
The Saints wind down their season, finishing the regular season on May 10, but the schedule eases up after Monday's game against IAAM team St. Paul's (Md.).
21 Lakeland-Panas (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) 7-2-1 46
The Rebels losses to Fox Lane and Wilton (Conn.) were its their first of the season and the schedule does not get easier as they play John Jay and Mahopac this week.
22 Century (Sykesville, Md.) 10-1 43
The Knights finish up the regular season with a May 3 game against Winters Mill. Century's only loss this season was to No. 17 Westminster.
23 Downingtown East (Exton, Pa.) 12-1 48
The Cougars' 13-8 victory over former No. 11 Archbishop Carroll moves them up this week.
24 Yorktown (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) 8-2 NR
The Cornhuskers bounced back from a loss to No. 3 Ridgewood by outscoring its next two opponents 39-21.
25 Moorestown (Moorestown, N.J.) 10-3 18
The Quakers drop this week after losing to No. 14 Good Counsel, 15-12, in overtime last week.
26 West Islip (West Islip, N.Y.) 10-1 39
27 Okemos (Okemos, Mich.) 6-0 32
28 Mount Hebron (Ellicott City, Md.) 11-1 40
29 Ward Melville (Camillus, N.Y.) 6-5 NR
30 Radnor (Radnor, Pa.) 10-2 41
31 William Floyd (Mastic Beach, N.Y.) 11-1 31
32 Sayville (West Sayville, N.Y.) 10-2 NR
33 Marriotts Ridge (Marriottsville, Md.) 11-1 NR
34 Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square, Pa.) 8-4 NR
35 Cy-Fair (Cypress, Texas) 15-1 37
36 Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.) 14-0 38
37 Sacred Heart Academy (Hempstead, N.Y.) 8-4 NR
38 Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) 10-2 11
39 Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) 17-2 34
40 Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.) 12-2 14
41 Westminster (Atlanta, Ga.) 16-1 42
42 South Side (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) 8-2 NR
43 Apex (Apex, N.C.) 16-0 44
44 St. Ignatius (San Francisco, Calif.) 16-1 45
45 New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.) 14-1 15
46 Shoreham-Wading River (Shoreham, N.Y.) 7-3 NR
47 Dulaney (Timonium, Md.) 10-2-1 35
48 Glen Ridge (Glen Ridge, N.J.) 10-3 NR
49 Bay Shore (Bay Shore, N.Y.) 8-3 NR
50 Staples (Westport, Conn.) 9-0 NR
Dropped Out:
No. 8 Medina (Medina, Ohio), No. 16 Winters Mill (Westminster, Md.), No. 24 Wantagh (Wantagh, N.Y.), No. 25 Hudson (Hudson, Ohio), No. 26 Summit (Summit, N.J.), No. 27 Manhasset (Manhasset, N.Y.), No. 28 Notre Dame Academy (Villanova, Pa.), No. 30 Clearview Regional (Mullica Hill, N.J.), No. 36 Roland Park (Baltimore, Md.), No. 47 Severn (Severna Park, Md.), No. 49 Episcopal (Alexandria, Va.), No. 50 New Albany (New Albany, Ohio)
2011 girls lacrosse greatest games
What defines a great game?
Is it a double-overtime thriller or a comeback from a seemingly insurmountable lead? Maybe it's a game in which defense is king or the defense cannot seem to stop the offense.
No matter how you define a great game, more than likely it's a game that you're talking about years later.
ESPNRISE.com is going to define the greatest high school lacrosse games of 2011 by using a mathematical formula that takes into account a team's POWERADE FAB 50 ESPN RISE Team Ranking, final score along with factors for score differential, overtimes, playoffs and state championship games. The point total is derived from the formula.
Have an opinion on our list of greatest game or have a memory of a game you attended? Leave your thoughts below.
*Team rankings are based on teams rank during time of game.
Top 5 Greatest Games
Key: Point total, winning team, losing team, score
182, No. 10 Garden City (Garden City, N.Y.) def. No. 1 St. Anthony's (South Huntington, N.Y.), 11-10 2OT
Date: April 2, 2011
Highlight: Catherine McTiernan scored the game-winning goal with 51 seconds left in the second overtime to win the game for Garden City.
168, No. 13 Notre Dame Prep (Baltimore, Md.) def. No. 12 Bryn Mawr (Baltimore, Md.), 12-11 2OT
Date: March 31, 2011
Highlight: Hannah Hartman scored the game-winning goal with 1:19 left in the second sudden-death overtime to give the Blazers the win. Erin Seipp and Georgia Tunney each scored three goals for Notre Dame.
163, No. 3 McDonogh (Owings Mills, Md.) def. No. 9 Roland Park (Baltimore, Md.), 16-14
Date: March 22, 2011
Highlight: Taylor Cummings scored four goals and Brooks Lawler scored three. The win extended the Eagles winning streak to 32 games.
162, No. 5 Ridgewood (Ridgewood, N.J.) def. No. 7 Moorestown (Moorestown, N.J.), 10-8
Date: April 9, 2011
Highlight: Sammy Giordano scored a game-high five goals to lead Ridgewood to a 10-8 win over Moorestown. It was Ridgewood's first ever win over the Quakers and it was only Moorestown's second loss to a New Jersey opponent since 1999.
153, No. 10 Medina (Medina, Ohio) def. No. 20 Hudson (Hudson, Ohio), 14-13
Date: April 11, 2011
Highlight: Medina was down by three goals with two minutes left in the game.
153, No. 26 Milton (Milton, Ga.) def. No. No. 4 Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.), 15-14
Date: April 8, 2011
Highlight: Send highlight information to Mike Loveday
2011 Massey Girls Varsity Lacrosse About Massey Ratings
RatingsPlayoffsMatchupsWe're Better Than...
Nationa lSelect State
Girls Varsity Lacrosse Massey Ratings are updated week
| Team | Nation | Change | Sched | Offense | Defense | Power |
|
1 | same | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| McDonough School-Owings Mills Owings Mills, MD |
1 | +7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Bryn Mawr School Baltimore, MD |
2 | +1 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 2 |
Westwood HS Westwood, MA |
3 | 6 | 75 | 6 | 8 | 3 |
| Our Lady of Good Counsel H S Olney, MD |
4 | same | 20 | 3 | 13 | 4 |
| Vero Beach HS Vero Beach, Fl |
7 | -3 | 74 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| John Carroll School Bel Air, MD |
6 | same | 2 | 12 | 12 | 7 |
| St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School Alexandria, VA |
7 | -3 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 6 |
| Garden City HS Garden City, NY |
8 | +5 | 71 | 16 | 14 | 12 |
| Roland Park Country School Baltimore, MD |
9 | -2 | 4 | 4 | 42 | 11 |
| St. Anthony's HS-South Huntington South Huntington, NY |
10 | +6 | 43 | 5 | 22 | 9 |
| Westminster HS Westminster, MD |
11 | +9 | 30 | 2 | 93 | 16 |
| Notre Dame Preparatory School Towson, MD |
12 | -1 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 8 |
| Ridgewood H.S. Ridgewood, NJ |
13 | +1 | 21 | 15 | 44 | 18 |
| West Genesee HS Camillus, NY |
14 | +3 | 56 | 11 | 32 | 15 |
| Winters Mill HS Westminster, MD |
15 | +4 | 58 | 21 | 7 | 10 |
| West Morris Mendham HS Mendham, NJ |
16 | -1 | 28 | 36 | 5 | 14 |
| Radnor Senior HS Wayne, PA |
17 | -5 | 50 | 25 | 11 | 13 |
| Milton HS Alpharetta, GA |
18 | same | 44 | 19 | 30 | 21 |
| Century HS Eldersburg, MD |
19 | -11 | 32 | 18 | 19 | 19 |
| Moorestown HS Moorestown, NJ |
20 | +5 | 22 | 72 | 2 | 17 |
| Archbishop John Carroll HS Radnor, PA |
21 | +2 | 76 | 33 | 17 | 24 |
| St. Paul's School for Girls Brooklandville, MD |
22 | same | 11 | 8 | 83 | 20 |
| Downingtown East HS Exton, PA |
23 | +4 | 42 | 29 | 41 | 26 |
| Severn School Severna Park, MD |
24 | +2 | 12 | 17 | 62 | 23 |
| Loyola Acad. Wilmette, IL |
25 | -1 | 98 | 23 | 23 | 22 |
MaxPreps Xcellent 20 National Girls Lacrosse Rankings April 25 2011
There is no shortage of impressive winning streaks throughout the country as we get set to start another week of girls lacrosse action.
Seventh-ranked Vero Beach (Fla.) is front and center in this category, having compiled 55 consecutive victories. If the Fighting Indians get four more, they'll win yet another FHSAA title in the Sunshine State. Last season they edged Lake Brantley for the state playoff championship, 10-9.
For second-ranked McDonogh (Md.), it's 43 and counting. Last week they scored a season-high 23 goals in improving to 11-0 this spring.
All the way up the East Coast, Londonderry (N.H.) has won 41 in a row. That streak should be put to the test this week with three games in five days, including one interstate contest against formidable Duxbury (Mass.).
No. 1 Garden City (N.Y.) has come out on top in 35 games in a row. The defending NYSPHSAA Class B champs have taken out opponents from three different New York sections this season, as well as No. 6 and CHSAA member St. Anthony's in double overtime.
Alta (Utah), at No. 17, has won 38 in a row, and No. 18 Medina (Ohio) has won 25 games consecutively.
In all, teams from 11 different states make up this week's MaxPreps Xcellent 20 National Girls Lacrosse rankings, with teams from New Hampshire and Georgia appearing for the first time. Teams from five different states comprise the Top 10.
MAXPREPS XCELLENT 20 NATIONAL GIRLS LACROSSE RANKINGS
1. Garden City (N.Y.), 8-0: Caroline Tarzian has 14 assists on the season. (Last week's ranking: No. 1)
2. McDonogh (Owings Mills, Md.), 11-0: The Eagles have scored 15 or more goals in eight of their last nine games. (Last week's ranking: No. 2)
3. Ridgewood (N.J.), 8-0: Sally Jentis and Kelci Smesko each had six goals in a 19-13 win over previously ranked Yorktown (N.Y.). (Last week's ranking: No. 3)
4. Farmingdale (N.Y.), 7-1: Senior attack Jamie Leone has 45 points for the Dalers. (Last week's ranking: No. 4)
5. New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.), 11-0: A 23-0 win against Highland Park (Ill.) last week was actually the second highest total for goals in a game this season for the Trevians, who beat Evanston Township 25-1 in their second game. (Last week's ranking: No. 5)
6. St. Anthony's (Melville, N.Y.), 7-1: Christine Schreiber had six goals and a pair of assists in a 24-12 win over Sacred Heart. (Last week's ranking: No. 6)
7. Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.), 18-0: The Fighting Indians beat second-year program Jensen Beach 24-1 to win their seventh straight District 9 title. (Last week's ranking: No. 7)
8. Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.), 14-1: The Falcons beat a pair of New York teams – Brighton and Northport – last week. (Last week's ranking: No. 9)
9. West Genesee (Camillus, N.Y.), 7-0: Melanie Murphy and Kara Dattellas each had four goals and Katey Hart had three goals and four assists in a 25-3 win over Auburn (N.Y.). (Last week's ranking: No. 15)
10. Fox Lane (Bedford, N.Y.), 9-0: Sammy Jo Tracy had three goals and an assist as the Foxes edged then 20th-ranked Lakeland/Panas 10-9. (Last week's ranking: No. 14)
11. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Alexandria, Va.), 18-2: A 9-6 win over Episcopal (Pa.) was the Saints' seventh straight victory. (Last week's ranking: No. 16)
12. Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.), 9-1: The Patriots' loss was a 10-9 decision to No. 7 Vero Beach (Fla.). (Last week's ranking: No. 18)
13. Northport (N.Y.), 7-1: An 18-13 setback to Good Counsel (Md.) was the Tigers' first loss of the season, dropping them just a bit. (Last week's ranking: No. 8)
14. Wantagh (N.Y.), 8-1: The Warriors lost for the first time this season, falling to Farmingdale 14-10. (Last week's ranking: No. 12)
15. West Morris Mendham (Mendham, N.J.), 8-1: An 11-10 setback to No. 9 West Genesee (N.Y.) is the lone blemish on Mendham's record. (Last week's ranking: Not ranked)
16. Westwood (Mass.), 7-0: The Wolverines await a key game this week against a Duxbury (Mass.) team coming off a win over then-No. 11 Westborough. (Last week's ranking: No. 19)
17. Alta (Sandy, Utah), 10-0: The defending state champ Hawks have won 38 straight. (Last week's ranking: No. 17)
18. Medina (Ohio), 4-0: The Battling Bees have now won 25 straight. (Last week's ranking: No. 13)
19. Milton (Ga.), 13-1: An early season loss to Vero Beach (Fla.) is the Eagles' only defeat. (Last week's ranking: Not ranked)
20. Londonderry (N.H.), 4-0: The Lancers, who have won 41 straight, will play three games in five days this week. (Last week's ranking: Not ranked)
Dropped out: Greenwich (Conn.), No. 10; Westborough (Mass.), No. 11; Lakeland/Panas (N.Y.), No. 20.
Joe Lombardi writes the "Lax with Joe" blog at LaxLessons.com and is an analyst for the MSG Varsity Television Network. He is also the primary author of the new edition of "Lacrosse for Dummies," which was released last year. He may be reached at joe@laxlessons.com
LM South Region Report: April 19, 2011
by Colleen O'Connell | LaxMagazine.com
Player of the Week
Lauren Ragsdale, Milton (Ga.)
Ragsdale recorded 20 saves in cage last week, helping the Eagles to a 1-0-1 record. She made 11 stops against previously undefeated Westminster on Friday. The next day, Ragsdale had nine saves in the thrilling 11-11 tie against Summit (N.J.), including a save right at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime.
LM South Region Top 10
1. Vero Beach (Fla.) - 16-0 - Idle last week, Vero Beach's postseason begins with the District 9 championships that started Monday.
2. Milton (Ga.) - 13-1-1 - Both of the Eagles' games last week were part of The Legacy Lacrosse Cup. Milton fended off Westminster 13-9 on Friday afternoon and then played Summit (N.J.) to an 11-11 tie on Saturday.
3. Cy-Fair (Texas) - 12-1 - A 13-8 win at Episcopal Houston allowed Cy-Fair to capture the South District regular season title. The Iron Maidens, who were 2-0 last week, received a bye in the South District quarterfinals and will face The Woodlands on Wednesday in the semifinals.
4. Lake Brantley (Fla.) - 14-2 - The Patriots finished the regular season with a pair of wins, allowing Lake Brantley to take a five-game winning streak into the District 5 championships. Lake Brantley opens the postseason against Lake Howell on Wednesday.
5. Episcopal Houston (Texas) - 11-6 - The Knights dropped a 13-8 game to Cy-Fair last week, earning the second seed in the South District tournament. Episcopal Houston faced Memorial Houston on Monday, with the winner advancing to play St. John's on Wednesday.
6. Westminster (Ga.) - 15-1 - The Wildcats pushed their winning streak to 22 games with a victory over Riverwood early in the week. However, a 13-9 loss to Milton at The Legacy Lacrosse Cup ended the streak on Friday.
7. Hockaday School (Texas) - 12-3 - Among the Daisies' games last week was a 13-11 win at Episcopal Dallas and a 17-3 victory against Byrd in the North District Division I Championships.
8. Episcopal Dallas (Texas) - 13-7 - The Eagles ended the regular season last week by splitting their games, but kicked off the postseason with a 14-1 win against Plano Club on Sunday in the North District Division I Championships.
9. Bishop Moore (Fla.) - 16-2 - A 2-1 week marked the end of the regular season for the Hornets, who face Ocoee in the District 6 semifinals.
10. Apex (N.C.) - (16-0) - The Cougars wrapped up a perfect regular season last week with three wins.
Game of the Week
No. 7 Hockaday School vs. No. 8 Episcopal Dallas, Thursday, 8 p.m. Central
Could the third time be the charm for Episcopal Dallas this season? The third meeting this season between Hockaday and Episcopal Dallas will take place on Thursday in the North District Division I semifinals. Hockaday won both of the regular season games, defeating the Eagles 13-5 in March and then 13-11 last week. Both teams easily got out of the district's opening round with Episcopal Dallas winning 14-1 over Plano and Hockaday SG 17-3 over Byrd. The winner of Thursday's game will face the winner of Highland Park-Ursuline Academy in the April 27 championship.
News and Notes
The first South Region state champion was crowned this past Saturday as Wando defeated Riverside 15-13 for the 2011 South Carolina Class AAAA championship. Lizzy Reed and Whitney Smith combined for 10 of Wando's goals... Cy-Fair's Emily Newstrom recorded 12 of the Iron Maidens' 27 goals last week, including seven in the showdown against Episcopal Houston...Last week's LM West Region Player of the Week Lydia Cassada totaled 11 goals in the Eagles' two games and was a perfect 4-for-4 in free position shots against Summit (N.J.).
Milton Defeats Westminster in Legacy Lacrosse Cup
The Lady Eagles come up with a win for the first game of the Legacy Lacrosse Cup this weekend, April 15-16.
By Emily Adams | Email the author | April 16, 2011
The Milton High School girl's lacrosse team had home field advantage when they defeated the Westminster girl's lacrosse team 13-9 Friday, April 15, which was also the start of the fourth annual Legacy Lacrosse Cup which is being held at Milton and surrounding parks over the weekend.
The Lady Wildcats came into the match on a 15-game winning streak holding the second place ranking in the state, while the first place Lady Eagles only had a nine game winning streak.
The game started out quick with the Eagles making their first goal in 21 seconds. The Wildcats responded in the same manner driving down the field scoring their first goal with a little over 24 minutes remaining in the first half.
Each of the goals made at the beginning of the first half was done in a call-and-response approach. A foul shot by Westminster accounted for their second goal making it 2-2 in the first 10 minutes of the game.
After the first two goals were made by each team, the time between each goal drew longer. Westminster took 10 minutes to score their third goal of the game, closing the gap to 3-5.
Westminster scored only three goals in the first half, while Milton scored six. In the second half, both Westminster and Milton doubled their goals from the first half, putting the final score at 13-9.
Eagle sophomore Lydia Cassada contributed to more than half of the goals scored by the Eagles. She scored six out of the 13 goals her team made and assisted in two. In the goal that put the Eagles ahead by six points, Cassada helped assist junior teammate Heather Harman score.
During the second half, the Wildcats gave the Eagles a run for their money when they scored four goals in the last seven minutes of the game. The Wildcats tried to score one last goal at the end of the game to cut the lead to three, but couldn't beat the buzzer.
Eagles' head coach Tim Godby knows a good team when he sees one and enjoys playing against them.
"Westminster is a good team," said Godby. "We want to play good teams to help prepare us for the playoffs."
Godby explained that the Eagles have been close the last four games, and by winning all of them the girls get to experience close games. On their road to the playoffs, this experience will be a big payoff for the Eagles.
"We've come from behind in some games and we've been ahead and held on to the lead," said Godby. "We are experienced in close games which is a huge advantage."
Although they are a successful team, the Eagles are also a young team and Godby acknowledges that. There are only two seniors on the team, Francesca Mowry and Allison Thompson, who was a starter before she got injured.
"They still need to keep working hard and not just be satisfied because we've had some success," said Godby of Friday's win. "We have to continue to work hard and try to get better every day and improve any way we can."
Lacrosse ESPN FAB 50 April 11th
Results of Note: One week after No. 12 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) fell from the top spot, the Falcons ended another team's hopes for a National Championship. Good Counsel's 18-13 victory over former No. 2 Northport (Northport, N.Y.) took down another undefeated team, leaving just six unblemished records in the Top 10.
High Mover: No. 21 John Carroll (Bel Air, Md.) moves up 10 spots this week after the IAAM conference underwent a shakeup.
Highest Newcomer: No. 28 Notre Dame Academy (Villanova, Pa.) enters the rankings this week after defeating Radnor (Radnor, Pa.). Notre Dame's only loss this season is to No. 11 Archbishop Carroll.
*Records are through Saturday games.
STATE RANKINGS: Preseason | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Rank School (City, State) Record Prev
1 McDonogh (Owings Mills, Md.) 11-0 1
The Eagles face their toughest stretch of the season over the next week, playing games against No. 23 Bryn Mawr, No. 5 St. Anthony's (N.Y.) along with conference rival St. Paul's.
2 Garden City (Garden City, N.Y.) 8-0 3
After breaking for Easter, the Trojans get back to business this week.
3 Ridgewood (Ridgewood, N.J.) 8-0 4
The Maroons second-half schedule is not quite as intense as the first half, but a May 7 game against No. 5 St. Anthony's will end the regular season.
4 Fox Lane (Bedford, N.Y.) 9-0 5
The Foxes have yet to allow more than nine goals in a game and downed No. 46 Lakeland-Panas last week.
5 St. Anthony's (South Huntington, N.Y). 7-1 6
The Friars have been on a roll, scoring 44 goals in their last two games.
6 West Genesee (Camillus, N.Y.) 7-0 9
The Wildcats have dominated this season, holding each of its last four opponents to just three goals.
7 Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.) 18-0 7
Vero Beach plays Benjamin School in the first round play-in game in the state playoffs on April 26.
8 Medina (Medina, Ohio) 4-0 8
The Battling Bees have their first interstate game this week, an April 29 game against No. 15 New Trier (Ill.).
9 Farmingdale (Farmingdale, N.Y.) 7-1 10
The Dalers downed No. 24 Wantagh, 14-10, last week.
10 Mendham (Mendham, N.J.) 8-1 11
There was no let down after its win over No. 12 Good Counsel (Md.). The Minutemen allowed only 12 goals in three games last week.
11 Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) 9-1 12
The Patriots posted their first shutout with an 18-0 win over Bishop McDevitt last week.
12 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) 14-1 14
The Falcons bounced back from its loss to No. 10 Mendham with wins over New York teams Brighton and No. 17 Northport.
13 Milton (Milton, Ga.) 13-1-1 13
The Eagles finish regular-season play with two games this week.
14 Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.) 12-1 15
The Ramblers have rolled off seven straight wins and play Sacred Heart (N.Y.), Eden Prairie (Minn.) and Edina (Minn.) this week.
15 New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.) 11-0 16
The Trevians have posted three shutouts this season, including a 23-0 win over Highland Park last week.
16 Winters Mill (Westminster, Md.) 5-1 17
The Falcons have dominated their county this season, outscoring conference opponents 54-17.
17 Northport (Northport, N.Y.) 7-1 2
Northport's loss to No. 12 Good Counsel (Md.) drops them from the No. 2 spot, but the Tigers' schedule eases up this week.
18 Moorestown (Moorestown, N.J.) 8-2 24
An April 30 game against No. 12 Good Counsel (Md.) is a key game for the Quakers.
19 William Floyd (Mastic Beach, N.Y.) 10-0 26
The Cardinals are one win away from matching last season's total.
20 Pittsford (Pittsford, N.Y.) 6-0 27
Pittsford outscored its opponents 20-12 last week.
21 John Carroll (Bel Air, Md.) 6-2 31
The Patriots lost two straight early in the season, but have won its last four, including a 16-15 win over Notre Dame Prep.
22 Londonderry (Londonderry, N.H.) 4-0 23
An April 30 game against Duxbury (Mass.) will be a strong test for the Lancers and their 38-game winning streak.
23 Bryn Mawr (Baltimore, Md.) 11-1 39
Bryn Mawr has won six straight games since its double-overtime loss to Notre Dame Prep.
24 Wantagh (Wantagh, N.Y.) 8-1 21
The Warriors lost to No. 9 Farmingdale last week, which drops them slightly this week.
25 Hudson (Hudson, Ohio) 3-1 28
The Explorers have some key games this week, playing Cleveland Heights (8-1) and Upper Arlington (8-2).
26 Summit (Summit, N.J.) 9-1-1 35
27 Manhasset (Manhasset, N.Y.) 8-2 30
28 Notre Dame Academy (Villanova, Pa.) 7-1 NR
29 St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Alexandria, Va.) 18-2 33
30 Clearview Regional (Mullica Hill, N.J.) 7-0 29
31 Westminster (Westminster, Md.) 6-0 NR
32 Okemos (Okemos, Mich.) 4-0 34
33 Hauppauge (Hauppauge, N.Y.) 8-0 36
34 Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) 16-2 37
35 Dulaney (Timonium, Md.) 8-1 NR
36 Roland Park (Baltimore, Md.) 9-3 18
37 Cy-Fair (Cypress, Texas) 13-1 40
38 Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.) 12-0 42
39 West Islip (West Islip, N.Y.) 8-1 44
40 Mount Hebron (Ellicott City, Md.) 9-1 NR
41 Radnor (Radnor, Pa.) 8-1 20
42 Westminster (Atlanta, Ga.) 16-1 41
43 Century (Sykesville, Md.) 6-1 25
44 Apex (Apex, N.C.) 16-0 48
45 St. Ignatius (San Francisco, Calif.) 13-1 50
46 Lakeland-Panas (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) 5-1-1 46
47 Severn (Severna Park, Md.) 9-6 NR
48 Downingtown East (Exton, Pa.) 8-1 32
49 Episcopal (Alexandria, Va.) 11-2 NR
50 New Albany (New Albany, Ohio) 8-0 NR
Dropped Out:
No. 19 Greenwich (Greenwich, Conn.), No. 22 Severna Park (Severna Park, Md.), No. 38 Notre Dame Prep (Baltimore, Md.), No. 43 Broadneck (Annapolis, Md.), No. 45 Springfield-Delco (Springfield, Pa.), No. 47 Liberty (Sykesville, Md.), No. 49 Conestoga (Berwyn, Pa.)
Girls Lacrosse Region Players of the Week: April 12
One player from each region will be selected as player of the week
Each week for the remainder of the 2011 season, ESPNRISE.com will select a player from each of four regions as Player of the Week.
East
Sammy Giordano, Sr., Ridgewood (Ridgewood, N.J.), attack
Giordano scored a game-high five goals to lead POWEADE FAB 50 No. 4 Ridgewood to a 10-8 win over New Jersey powerhouse Moorestown (Moorestown, N.J.). It was Ridgewood's first ever win over the Quakers and it was only Moorestown's second loss to a New Jersey opponent since 1999.
Southeast
Annie Ruland, Soph. Milton (Milton, Ga.), attack
In one of the biggest interstate games of the season, Ruland shined brightest. She scored five goals, added seven assists and also collected three draw controls as FAB 50 No. 26 Milton erased a four-goal first-half deficit and beat former No. 4 Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.), 15-14.
Midwest
Kelsey Murray, Soph., New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.), attack
New Trier finally shook off Montini Catholic (Lombard, Ill.) in the second half led by Murray. She scored three goals and added two assists as New Trier, which finished second in the state tournament last year, turned a two-goal lead late in the first half into seven-goal blowout early in the second.
West
Bailey Zerr, Sr., Cherry Creek (Cherry Creek, Colo.), attack
Cherry Creek established itself as the top team in Colorado with Zerr leading the way. Zerr scored a game-high six goals to lead Cherry Creek to a 17-14 win over Kent Denver (Englewood, Colo.), previously ranked No. 35 in the POWERADE FAB 50.
LM South Region Report: April 12, 2011
by Colleen O'Connell | LaxMagazine.com
Girls' Player of the Week
Lydia Cassada, Milton (Ga.)
In three games last week, Cassada tallied 14 goals and eight assists as the Eagles posted wins against Loyola Academy (Ill.), Holy Cross (Md.) and Rumson-Fair Haven. She was instrumental in the victory against Loyola Academy, scoring the game-winner with 2:23 left in the game. In the St. Stephens & St. Agnes Spring Flight, Cassada, a sophomore, notched 4 goals and two assists and five goals and three assists against Holy Cross and Rumson-Fair Haven, respectively.
South Region Top 10
1. Vero Beach (Fla.) - 16-0 - A 53-game winning streak remained intact this week as the Fighting Indians closed out the regular season with a 24-2 win at South Fork on Apr. 5.
2. Cy-Fair (Texas) - 10-1 - The Iron Maidens were off last week after their game at Episcopal Houston was rescheduled for this Thursday. Cy-Fair faces The Woodlands on Tuesday before taking on the Knights.
3. Milton (Ga.) - 12-1 - Milton knocked off nationally ranked Loyola Academy (Ill.) 15-14 at Georgetown University and then went 2-0 at the Spring Fling in Northern Virginia. The Eagles will get tested this weekend in The Legacy Lacrosse Cup with games against Westminster and Summit (N.J.).
4. Lake Brantley (Fla.) - 12-2 - A 3-0 week for the Patriots featured a pair of 19-1 wins against Lyman and Lake Howell and a 10-6 victory at Oviedo.
5. Episcopal Houston (Texas) - 9-5 - The Knights outscored opponents 39-13 in their two games last week. Episcopal Houston finishes the regular season this Thursday against Cy-Fair in a game that has district seeding implications.
6. Westminster (Ga.) - 14-0 - Entering the week riding a 21-game riding streak that dates back to last season, the Wildcats last loss occurred on Apr. 22, 2010 against Milton – the team that they will face on Friday.
7. Hockaday School (Texas) - 9-3 - The Daisies finished 2-0 on the week with wins against Coppell and Highland Park.
8. Episcopal Dallas (Texas) - 11-6 - Tripped up 15-13 by Ursuline Academy (Texas) in their only game last week, the Eagles finish out the regular season against Hockaday SG and Greenhill School this week.
9. Bishop Moore (Fla.) - 14-1 - The Hornets won their first game last week, but fell 13-12 to St. Edwards to snap a 14-game winning streak.
10. Apex (N.C.) - 13-0 - The Cougars have scored 20 goals in each of their last two games, including in last week's 20-10 victory against Green Hope.
Game of the Week
Cy-Fair at Episcopal Houston, Thursday, 7 p.m. Central
Episcopal Houston's Simmons Field will be the place to be on Thursday night with a showdown between with a No. 1 seed in the city championships on the line. Both Cy-Fair and Episcopal enter the week with 4-0 division records and sit atop of the South District standings. Neither team has yet to lose to an in-state opponent in 2011 with Cy-Fair's only loss being against St. Stephen's & St. Agnes. Meanwhile, the Knights' five losses were all at the hands of teams from Maryland, Pennsylvania and northern Virginia. Although each team has talented offensive playmakers – Kimberly Khourie and Sydney Dupre from Episcopal Houston and Delaney Fisher and Emily Newstrom from Cy-Fair – the defenses from each team are solid and are expected to make it tough for any easy plays or goals to get through.
News and Notes
The Legacy Lacrosse Cup will take place this weekend in Georgia. The Jackson family started it in 2008 after 16-year-old Parker Jackson died in a single vehicle accident in 2006. Parker played lacrosse for Milton High School. This year's The Legacy Lacrosse Cup will feature multiple South Region teams, including a Milton-Westminster match-up. Visit LegacyLacrosseCup.com for more information about the 2011 event. For information about future Legacy Lacrosse Cups, contact Lauren Jackson at laurenjacksonga@yahoo.com...The South Region's first state champion of the 2011 season will be determined this Saturday. South Carolina's Class AAAA girls' lacrosse finals will take place and will include the winners of the Riverside-Mauldin and Blythewood-Wando semifinals.
Good Counsel holds on for win, No. 1 ranking
The Spring Fling brough together teams from six states
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - No. 1 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) jumped out to a 7-3 lead by halftime and held on in the second half to defeat No. 21 St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Alexandria, Va.), 11-7, during the St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Spring Fling on Saturday.
Kelly Lechner scored six goals for Good Counsel. Morgan Stephens and Brigid Smith each added two.
The Falcons controlled the first half, scoring four goals in the final 10 minutes.
But the Saints made it close in the second half, scoring two goals within six minutes to cut the lead to 7-6.
"We wanted to keep our cool, but they kept creeping up on us so it was a little scary," Lechner said. "We knew we needed to get the draw, but we held our own on defense and slowed things down to get the smart play."
Goals by Lechner and Smith in the final three minutes of the game sealed the victory for the Falcons.
Good Counsel improves to 10-0 after its two games Saturday and have wins over two POWERADE FAB 50 teams this season.
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes falls to 12-2.
Leading Scorers
Good Counsel: Lechner 6, Stephens 2, Smith 2, Caileigh Sindall 1.
St. Stephen's: Michele Phillips 2, Katherine Austin 2
More Scores from the Spring Fling
10 a.m. Games
Western Albermarle (Crozet, Va.), def. Thomas Worthington (Worthington, Ohio), 12-4
Scorers not available
No. 26 Milton (Milton, Ga.) def. Holy Cross (Kensington, Md.), 12-8
Leading Scorers
Milton: Lydia Cassada 4, Annie Ruland 4, Heather Harman 2, Molly Garrigan 1, Melissa Teel 1
Holy Cross: Shannon Gallagher 2, Monica Lucas 2.
11:30 Games
No. 4 Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.) def. Western Albermarle, 17-6
Leading Scorers
Loyola: Nicole Gleason 5, Meredith Abrahamson 3, Katherine Eilers 3, Molly Hulseman 2, Meg Perkaus 2.
Western: Ellen Schaffrey 4, Jeanette Fellows 2.
Thomas Worthington def. St. Catherine's (Richmond, Va.), 11-9
Leading Scorers
Worthington: Catie Sheban 6, Amber McAlpine 3, Lily Yednock 2
St. Catherine's: Emma MacLeod 2, Meredith Doswell 2, Ali Doswell 1, Helen Warner 1.
No. 23 Archbishop Carroll (Philadelphia, Pa.) def. Episcopal (Alexandria, Va.), 11-5
Leading Scorers
Carroll: Natalie Schmitt 3, Rachel Flynn 2, Sheila Johnson 2, Sam Moore 2, Gabbi Hull 1, Maddie Lesher 1.
Episcopal: Caroline Bond 3, Kelly Chandler 1, Cary Hairfield 1.
1:30 Games
Holy Cross def. St. Catherine's, 17-3
Scorers not available
No. 21 St. Stephen's & St. Agnes def. Rumson-Fair Haven (Rumson, N.J.), 8-7
Leading Scorers
St. Stephen's: Carly Reed 4, Katherine Austin 1, Elizabeth Dyson 1, Margaret Fogarty 1, Michele Phillips 1.
Rumson: Chrissy Lushefski 2, Charlotte Brodsky 1, Kelsey Cuje 1, Megan Douty 1, Tori Huttner 1, Claire Scarrone 1.
No. 4 Loyola Academy def. Collegiate (Richmond, Va.), 11-10
Scorers not available
3 p.m. Games
No. 1 Good Counsel def. Episcopal, 19-6
Leading Scorers
Good Counsel: Lechner 5, Smith 4, Stephens 4, Caroline Scanlon 2, Catherine Shepardson 2, Caroline Peters 1, Courtney McCartin 1.
No. 26 Milton def. Rumson-Fair Haven vs. 13-11
Leading Scorers
Milton: Lydia Cassada 5, Annie Ruland 4, Amanda Lockwood 3, Natalie Derajtys 1
Rumson (total goals for day): Megan Douty 4, claire Scarrone 4, Chrissy Lushefski 3, Charlotte Brodsky 2, Kelsey Cuje 2, Emily Knapp 1, Emily Volker 2
No. 23 Archbishop Carroll def. Collegiate, 11-5
Leading Scorers
Carroll: Schmitt 4, 3 Hannah Schmitt 3, Johnson 2, Flynn 1, Lesher 1
High School Girls' Lacrosse Preview: April 8-11
The Washington, DC region will be a major focal point this weekend, when a number of the nation's top teams square off. From a showdown between Loyola Academy (IL) and Milton (GA) to a battle between perennial powers Good Counsel and St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, all eyes will be on the nation's capital. Meanwhile, there is a highly anticipated match-up on Saturday between two of New Jersey's most formidable programs, a rematch from a thriller last season.
Starting in the District of Columbia, two regional powers go head-to-head on Saturday when Good Counsel visits St. Stephen's & St. Agnes. Behind the electric duo of Brigid Smith and Kelly Lechner, Good Counsel (8-0) has dominated its competition in the early going this season, putting up 21 goals or more in six of its eight total games. Caileigh Sindall has also been a force in the midfield on draw controls and ground balls and will likely play a key role in Saturday's outcome.
However, the seven-time defending WCAC champions will be hard-pressed to score 20-plus goals again this weekend against St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, a team that's held opponents to nine goals or less in 11 of 12 games this season. The Saints went 6-0 against tough competition on a recent trip to Texas in late March, easily dispatching top squads Cy-Fair, St. John's and Episcopal Dallas. The offensive trio of Katie Austin, Besser Dyson and Michele Phillips has been unstoppable through 12 games and will likely give the Good Counsel defense it's toughest test to date.
Illinois defending champion Loyola Academy and Georgia champ Milton head to Washington, DC this weekend to face some tough competition that includes the likes of Georgetown Visitation and Rumson-Fair Haven. However, all eyes will be on Friday's match-up when the two heralded teams square off.
Aside from a loss to Vero Beach back on March 11, the Eagles have averaged 17 goals per game in nine wins to date. On the other side, Loyola has won its first five games of the season but hasn't played since March 26. Division I recruits Molly Hulseman and Nicole Gleason will try to take command of the midfield for Loyola, something the duo has been accustomed to in the early going. However, the Eagles will look to attack early in hopes of catching the Ramblers a bit rusty. Along with captains Amanda Lockwood and Heather Harman, standouts Lydia Cassada and Annie Ruland make up an experienced unit that features great speed and a high lacrosse IQ.
Also on the East Coast, the Garden State will be home to one of the weekend's most anticipated games when Moorestown visits Ridgewood on Saturday. In last season's match-up between the teams, Moorestown handed Ridgewood its only loss of the season in a 10-9 final on April 6. Although the Maroons went on to win Bergen County, State Group 4 and State Tournament of Champions titles, the squad is looking to exact revenge on the Quakers this time around. The Maroons -- once again very capable of reaching the Tournament of Champions finals -- will look for consistent offensive production on Saturday via attackers Sammy Giordano (Georgetown) and Lindsay Weiner (Boston University).
Meanwhile, after seeing its incredible 228-game in-state winning streak snapped by Shawnee last year in the Group 3 final, Moorestown is ready to start another one. So far this season, the Quakers are off and running, soundly defeating Strath Haven (PA) and fellow New Jersey elite Mountain Lakes. Stephanie Toy, Nikki Shapiro and Haleigh Dalmass will be go-to threats offensively for Moorestown. Expect a fast-paced, passionate contest this weekend that could very well be decided in overtime.
On Monday, Radnor and Archbishop Carroll meet up in a battle of Philadelphia-area powers. Both programs have historically played each other close, and while Archbishop Carroll hasn't beaten Radnor since '07, the last two games were decided by three goals or less. With both teams looking strong once again in '11, Monday's game should be close all the way through.
Elsewhere this weekend, Foothill-Santa Ana takes on Beckman (CA) on Friday in a key California match-up, Mendham (NJ) battles West Genesee (NY) on Saturday in an intriguing East Coast contest, and also on Saturday, Myers Park faces Hoggard (NC) in a potential playoff preview. Also on Monday, Sacred Heart Academy takes on Manhasset (NY) and Torrey Pines faces Los Alamitos in a match-up of respective defending California state champions.
LM South Region Report: April 5, 2011
by Colleen O'Connell | LaxMagazine.com
Annie Ruland and the South Region No. 4-ranked Milton (Ga.) girls' lacrosse team will face Loyola Academy (Ill.), one of the nation's top teams, in Washington D.C. on Friday.
© John Strohsacker/LaxPhotos.com
Player of the Week
Delaney Fisher, Cy-Fair (Texas)
Fisher had a balanced scoring effort in both of Cy-Fair's wins last week, helping the Iron Maidens improve to 10-1 on the season. The Towson-bound midfielder put away a game-high four goals, including one in overtime, and added one assist to lift Cy-Fair over St. John's on March 30. She followed that effort up with another game-high four goals and two assists the next day versus Memorial of Houston.
South Region Top 10
1. Vero Beach (Fla.) - 15-0 - Vero Beach's winning-streak stayed intact last week with the Fighting Indians going 3-0, including a 16-5 win against Lake Brantley on April 2.
2. Cy-Fair (Texas) - 10-1 - The Iron Maidens have won their last four, including a 15-12 overtime victory against St. John's last week. Cy-Fair is idle this week and returns to action next Tuesday against Woodlands.
3. Lake Brantley (Fla.) - 9-2 - Lake Brantley split its doubleheader on April 2 last week, posting a 15-5 win over Timber Creek and falling to Vero Beach.
4. Milton (Ga.) - 9-1 - Riding a six-game winning-streak, the Eagles are coming off a 20-5 win at Centennial. Milton travels to Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia for three neutral-site games later this week.
5. Episcopal Houston (Texas) - 9-5 - Playing two games last week, Episcopal Houston scored 18 goals in each game to give them a 2-0 showing on the week.
6. Episcopal Dallas (Texas) - 11-5 - The Eagles snapped a two-game losing skid last week, pulling out a 17-13 win against Highland Park on March 30 and then a 15-4 victory at Allen the next day.
7. Westminster (Ga.) - 11-0 - The Wildcats remain perfect this season with a 12-4 win against Sprayberry in their only game of the week.
8. Hockaday School (Texas) - 7-3 - The Daisies were tripped up in their only game last week, falling 16-14 to Ursuline Academy on Mar. 30.
9. Bishop Moore (Fla.) - 13-0 - The Hornets won all three of their games last week, which included a home win against Olympia and road wins at Cardinal Gibbons (Fla.) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), to remain perfect on the season.
10. Apex (N.C.) - 12-0 - Domination showed throughout both the Cougars' games last week against Panther Creek (19-3 win) and Cardinal Gibbons (N.C) (20-1 win).
Game of the Week
Milton (Ga.) vs. Loyola Academy (Ill.) - Friday 10:30 a.m. (at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.)
Milton will face one of the top teams in the country this Friday at Georgetown University. Winners of its first five games, Loyola Academy has played out-of-state opponents in its last three games and has not allowed any opponent to score more than six goals. Milton enters the game with a six-game winning streak, with its only loss coming at the hands of Vero Beach.
News and Notes
The Cy-Fair-Episcopal Houston game that was scheduled for April 7 has been postponed until April 14 at 7 p.m….By going 3-0 last week, Vero Beach pushed its winning-streak to 53 games, tying Okemos High School from Michigan for consecutive wins. The Fighting Indians close out the regular season today against South Fork. Meanwhile, Okemos plays its first game of the season on April 12.
Milton lacrosse leading the pack again
By Ryan Peck
rpeck@neighbornewspapers.com
Milton's Heather Harman helps lead a varied offensive attack for the Lady Eagles. Having already won five GHSA state titles in six previous seasons, Milton is positioning itself for number six in 2011.
If anything was learned from the first six years of GHSA varsity girl's lacrosse, it is that the state title runs through north Fulton.
After briefly ceding supremacy to Chattahoochee in 2009, Milton regained the state crown in 2010 following a four-peat from 2005 to 2008. And with roughly six weeks standing between the present and the next GHSA championship game, a sixth Lady Eagles title in seven seasons seems a distinct possibility.
Milton (8-1, 5-0 3AAAAA) once again entered the week as the unequivocal top-rated state team in the laxpower.com poll. The Lady Eagles have bested four state contenders — including area foes Northview, Roswell and Alpharetta — and appear to have already hit their stride at the season's midway point.
Milton coach Tim Godby does not shy away from the expectation of another state title this spring. He knows the Lady Eagles are a marked bunch, but he also knows it is the responsibility of he and his staff to keep the team grounded.
"We have to constantly tell the girls we're gonna get opponents' best game when they play us," said the coach. "We have to play our best to match their intensity, because if we don't…somebody could upset us. We have to get the girls focused and ready to play so we don't have a letdown."
It helps to have a suffocating defense in tow night in and night out.
With the exception of a 20-3 loss to national power Vero Beach, Fla. on March 11, Milton has surrendered just 41 goals in eight games. Despite the fact that opponents have taken over 50 percent of draw controls thus far, the Lady Eagles have made sure foes come up empty the majority of the time.
Returning starters Allison Thompson — one of Milton's two seniors — Elizabeth Bunn and Helen Petersen form the core of an oftentimes impenetrable defense, along with sophomore Melissa Teel.
On the flip side, leading scorer Lydia Cassada heads a balanced offensive attack — including Annie Ruland and captains Heather Harman and Amanda Lockwood — which has accounted for 95 Milton goals.
Having graduated only four seniors from last year's state champs, this crop of Lady Eagles understands and embraces expectations.
"Our returning players are able to understand what we wanna do offensively and defensively," said Godby. "It's helping to have that experience back."
Female athlete of the week
Allison Thompson - MILTON
By Ryan Peck
rpeck@neighbornewspapers.com
The Milton Lady Eagles returned to the pinnacle of GHSA lacrosse in 2010, and the team appears to be on the path toward contending for yet another state title this spring.
Making it difficult for the opposition to score is one of the biggest catalysts behind the Lady Eagles' success. That is where senior defender Allison Thompson comes into play.
One year after allowing 8.6 goals per game, Milton (7-1) has trimmed that number to 6.6 through eight games in 2011 and has allowed just 3.8 goals per contest against state programs, highlighted by wins over GHSA crown contenders Lassiter, Northview and Roswell.
"She's a senior, a team captain and one of the hardest workers we have on the team," MHS coach Tim Godby said of Thompson. "She does all the things that don't show up in the stat book, like playing great defense and keeping the opponent from scoring."
Thompson's biggest asset, according to Godby, is serving as a lock-down crease defender, where she routinely stymies the opposition's low attacker.
"That's huge, because we don't have to plan as much to help out on whoever is guarding the girl behind goal, because she's gonna shut that out," said Godby.
A U.S. Lacrosse academic all-America in 2010, Thompson is gunning for an academic scholarship with the possibility to walk-on in college.
Q&A with Milton (GA) Girls' Coach Tim Godby
Despite a background in basketball, Tim Godby took the reigns as head coach of the Milton (GA) girls' lacrosse program in 2005. Having never played or coached lacrosse before, Godby quickly became a student of the game, visiting clinics all over the region and talking with as many local coaches as he possibly could. Plus, by discovering similarities to basketball in regards to concepts and strategies, the transition proved to be natural. Since Godby became head coach, the Eagles have captured five state titles, including a convincing 14-4 victory over rival Lassiter in the 2010 championship.
In this week's high school lacrosse Q&A feature, staff writer Adam Warner talks with Godby about his transition from basketball coach to lacrosse coach, how exactly he gets his team prepared each day, and how he built a lacrosse powerhouse in less than five years.
Talk about your background and how you eventually came to be Milton's head lacrosse coach.
"I have a background in basketball and coached at the high school level for 10 seasons. In 2005, they needed someone to coach girls' lacrosse at Milton and I accepted the position. I was able to learn the game quickly because it's somewhat similar to basketball. I really picked up on the concepts of offense and defense from the very onset."
Before you were named Milton's head coach, you had an extensive background in basketball, not lacrosse. What did you do early on to study lacrosse and learn about its strategies and schemes?
"I studied the game and read a lot of material. I talked to other coaches and went to clinics across the region as well. We also had a few parents of players on the team that had played the game and helped out. Once I became more familiar with lacrosse, the more I realized it was like basketball. I'd go to clinics and even hear coaches talk about watching basketball teams play."
You've had success as a lacrosse program since the very beginning of your coaching tenure. What do you attribute most to the team's success?
"It's not really one thing, but rather a combination of things. First, we had some really talented players when I started coaching. But we also had a lot of support from parents and administration as well. As for me, I'm always trying to study and learn the game and finding opportunities for girls to play and develop their skills. It's the hard work from a lot of different people that enables us to be successful."
Milton has won five of the last six state titles. What do you see as key factors in sustaining success over time?
"We continue to try and get better every year and not be complacent just because we have won in the past. We work extremely hard at developing our youth program. We spend a lot of time trying to get more kids interested at a younger age and really grow lacrosse in the community. We are fortunate to have a large youth program and it allows us to build on our success each year."
Talk about a typical week of practice for the team. What's particularly emphasized?
"We really like to make practices competitive and fun for the girls. If the girls are losing focus, we try to make things competitive and get them working harder. For instance, we'll initiate a ground ball drill and keep score. If the players get the ball, they get credit for takeaways. If they lose the ball, they'll do pushups or sprints. It really motivates them to work hard. When we come to practice, the coaches are prepared and we expect the girls to be prepared as well. We want to play at a championship level and that's the mindset. We aren't a "rec" team. We're trying to win games and be competitive."
Talk about some of your coaching methods and how you get the team to improve over the course of a season.
"We try to do things better every day. We have challenging games scheduled throughout the season. We always keep the focus on leading with a good defense. That way, we can take away what other teams do offensively. It's easier to do that against some of the in-state teams we are familiar with. But it's much harder to do with out of state teams we haven't seen before. But we've had success against teams from the Northeast, Virginia and Maryland over the years. Those games really help us for the in-state teams. It helps expose some of our weaknesses and things we need to improve on. It's the biggest reason why we schedule those games."
How do you see the growth of Georgia lacrosse since you took over for Milton in '05?
"The skill level of players continues to get better every year. Girls are starting out younger now and developing their skills earlier and continuing to get better. In 2005, girls didn't play the game until high school, so they were trying to learn the skills and strategies of the game as high school players. Now, they are starting at the age of seven and learning how to cradle and scoop ground balls and understanding the fundamentals of offense and defense."
The 2010 Milton team seemed to be head and shoulders above the competition in Georgia. And considering your recent 16-3 win over Lassiter, that may be the case once again. What's the difference?
"We have players that are really committed to playing and working on their game and getting better in the offseason. We've built on our success each year and people want to be a part of the program. They know they have to play and work on their game and get better every day."
What can we expect from Milton in 2011?
"You can expect a group of girls that will come out and always compete hard. Hopefully, we'll be disciplined on offense and not commit turnovers and take care of every possession."
2011 high school girls lacrosse season previews: Southeast
Southeast includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina and Tennessee
The southeast region has several teams that could enter the POWERADE FAB 50 this season. Photo By: Lake Brantley Lacrosse
The Southeast has several teams on the rise for the 2011 season.
Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.) likely starts the season as the favorite in Florida and has tough games against the defending Georgia state champion and one of the top teams in Colorado.
Two Charlotte schools, Charlotte Country Day and Charlotte Catholic will vie for state supremacy in North Carolina and will also provide crossover games with Florida when they play some of the top teams in Georgia.
ESPN RISE 2011 Season Preview
In addition to the region previews, ESPN RISE will release several packages to augment our coverage, including a national leaders list that will be updated throughout the season and will initially highlight the longest winning streaks in the nation.
2010 Final Boys POWERADE FAB 50
2010 Final Girls POWERADE FAB 50
Boys National Leaders
Girls National Leaders
How to get ranked in the FAB 50
2011 Boys State Rankings
2011 Girls State Rankings
Girls Preseason FAB 50
Boys Preseason FAB 50 (March 9)
Region Previews
Boys
Southeast | West | Midwest | East | Maryland | New York | Pennsylvania
Girls
Southeast | West | Midwest | East | Maryland | New York | Pennsylvania
Returning Stat Leaders
Boy Leaders: Goals | Assists | Points
Girl Leaders: Goals | Assists | Points
Get a preview of 2011
2011 Season Preview Homepage
ESPN RISE will release a new girl's high school lacrosse region preview each Thursday, culminating with the release of our State Rankings and POWERADE FAB 50 ESPN RISE Team Rankings.
The Starting 10
(Position*: athlete, year, high school (city, state), college commitment)
*Players are seniors unless otherwise noted. Players are based on Top 20 ON THE RISE series.
G: Sharon Hughes, Charlotte Country Day (Charlotte, N.C.)
G: Emma Wilson, Westminster (Atlanta, Ga.)
A: Jenna Hornik, Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, N.C.), High Point
A: Katie Trahanas, Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.), Merrimack
M: Maddy Blakeman, Jr., St. Edward's (Vero Beach, Fla.), Loyola
M: Olivia Reeve, Harpeth Hall (Nashville, Tenn.), American
M: Courtney Swan, Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.), Virginia
M: Heather Harman, Jr., Milton (Milton, Ga.), Penn State
D: Christina Monahan, Jr., Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.)
D: Olivia Long, Jr., Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.), Johns Hopkins
Sizing Up The Region
ALABAMA: Vestavia Hills (Vestavia Hills, Ala.) has won back-to-back state championships and have won 14-straight games against in-state competition.
FLORIDA: Creekside (Jacksonville, Fla.) returns 10 starters from a 15-4 team that was a District runner-up last season. Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) was only two goals away from winning the state championship last season. The Patriots return leading scorer Katie Trahanas (76 goals) along with midfielders Chelsea Pinneke and Kaleigh Henry. Pope John Paul II (Boca Raton, Fla.) enters its fourth year as a program and captured its first district title last season. The team improved from 6-10 in 2009 to 15-4 last year and returns 10 starters. Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.) have won the last five Florida state titles and return six All-Area selections, including Virginia commitment Courtney Swan and Johns Hopkins commit Olivia Long.
GEORGIA: Milton (Milton, Ga.) won the AAAAA title last season by 10 goals. With eight starters and 17 players returning, there is little reason to think the outcome will be different this season. Junior Heather Harman is verbally committed to Penn State and fellow midfielder Amanda Lockwood is being recruited by John's Hopkins, Vanderbilt and Florida, among others. Westminster (Atlanta, Ga.) won the A-AAAA championship last season and head coach Jay Watts has compiled a record of 213-20-5 since taking over the program in 1999. The Wildcats are led by First Team All-State goalie Emma Wilson and Second Team All-state selection Taylor Kaplan at attack.
Southeast Region:
Defending Champions
Alabama: Vestavia Hills (Vestavia Hills, Ala.)
Florida: Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.)
Georgia (A-AAAA): Westminster (Atlanta, Ga.)
Georgia (AAAAA): MIlton (Milton, Ga.)
North Carolina (NCHSAA): Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte, N.C.)
North Carolina (NCISAA): Charlotte Country Day (Charlotte, N.C.)
South Carolina: Blythewood (Blythewood, S.C.)
Tennessee: St. George's (Germantown, Tenn.)
NORTH CAROLINA: Apex (Apex, N.C.) won state titles in 2008 and 2009 and reached the District Round last year. The Cougars return nine starters, including four Division I commitments and will have a strong offense anchored by Robert Morris commitment Kristi Marks. Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte, N.C.) won the NCHSAA state championship last season and returns three starters. Led by senior Jena Ready who is committed to Presbyterian, the Cougars have been to the championship game each of the last three years. Charlotte Country Day (Charlotte, N.C.) is the defending NSISAA champion and returns eight starters and 12 players overall. Possibly the biggest returnee is goalie Sharon Hughes who recorded 14 saves in the championship game last season. East Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, N.C.) won three-straight championships from 2002 to 2004 and reached the state semifinals last year. Hoggard (Wilmington, N.C.) is 34-3 over the past two seasons and finished as state runners-up last season to Charlotte Catholic in the NCHSAA title game. The Vikings return Sarah McCullough who scored 50 goals and tallied 73 points last season and Carissa Corbett who scored 37 goals and 55 points.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Blythewood (Blythewood, S.C.) is the two-time defending state champion, are riding a 23-game winning streak and returns four starters. The offense will be a strong point for the Bengals who are led by 2010 Academic All-American Kelsey Thurston. Riverside (Greer, S.C.) returns seven starters from a 16-2 team. Coach DeAnn Louis said the team will have a strong offense led by senior Caroline Hulstrand. The Warriors won a state championship in 2008. Wando (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) could be a team to watch this year. The Warriors only two losses last season were to Blythewood by a combined two goals.
TENNESSEE: Tennessee has four different champions in each of the past four years. Ensworth (Nashville, Tenn.) won the title in 2009 and have reached the state championship game each of the past two years. Harpeth Hall (Nashville, Tenn.) has won two of the last five state titles and four titles overall since 2000. The Honeybears return American University commitment Olivia Reeve and returns 30 players from last year's team. Hutchison (Memphis, Tenn.) reached the championship game from 2007 to 2009 and only lost four starters from last year's team. The Sting return a strong defense, led by defenders Margaret Cates, Sofie Davidoff, Amy Pickens and goalie Elizabeth Jones. St. George's (Germantown, Tenn.) is the defending state champion -- winning the school's first title in Steve Collin's first year as head coach. The Gryphons return every player except one from last year's team.
Underclassemen To Watch
(Position: athlete, year, high school (city, state), college commitment)
Midfield: Ali Little, Harpeth Hall (Nashville, Tenn.); Amanda Lockwood, Jr., Milton (Milton, Ga.); Mackenzie Smith, Jr., Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.); Briana Storey, Jr., Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte, N.C.).
Attack: Kat Milam, Jr., Harpeth Hall (Nashville, Tenn.); Angelica Perdomo, Jr., Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.).
Games To Watch
March 5: Hutchison (Memphis, Tenn.) at Hockaday (Dallas, Texas)
March 9: Westminster (Atlanta, Ga.) at Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte, N.C.)
March 11: Milton (Milton, Ga.) at Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.)
March 25: Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.) vs. Kent Denver (Denver, Colo.)
March 26: Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) vs. Archbishop Carroll (Philadelphia, Pa.)
April 8: Milton (Milton, Ga.) vs. Loyola (Wilmette, Ill.) at Georgetown University
April 20: Charlotte Country Day (Charlotte, N.C.) at Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte, N.C.)
How This Region Affects The FAB 50
Milton (Milton, Ga.) plays state champions from Florida, Illinois and Texas this season and can directly tie the Southeast region with the Midwest. The game against Loyola (Wilmette, Ill.) is important since Loyola travels east to play teams from Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C, which ties the Southeast region to the Maryland area.
Both Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) and Vero Beach (Vero Beach, Fla.) play Archbishop Carroll (Philadelphia, Pa.), which provides a direct reference for Florida and Philadelphia lacrosse.
Hutchison (Memphis, Tenn.) plays out-of-state tournaments in Texas and Chicago this season, in addition to taking on Roswell (Roswell, Ga.).
Congratulations Allison for being named GPA Athlete of the Week for Dec 13th, 2010!
Experience too much for Lassiter to counter
by Adam Carrington (The Marietta Daily Journal)
acarrington@mdjonline.com
May 16, 2010 12:00 AM
MARIETTA - Milton performed just like a veteran of five state championship game should.
Lassiter appeared a little jittery, having never played in a final.
Having home-field advantage at Frank Fillmann Stadium didn't help the Lady Trojans in Saturday's Class AAAAA girls lacrosse title game at Milton cruised to a 14-4 win.
The Lady Eagles (18-1-3), who won their fifth state title in the six years lacrosse has been a sanctioned sport, made very few mistakes. They jumped in front early while capitalizing on early miscues.
Milton bested Lassiter (18-4) the entire game when it came to winning draws, getting groundballs and forcing turnovers. The Lady Trojans made mistakes of their own while trying to retain possession offensively.
"We just got outplayed," Lassiter coach Faith Harmeyer said. "They were winning the draw every single time. If we had the ball, we could probably put more in the net, but you got to have the ball."
Credit to Lassiter's defense, the Lady Trojans fought off three Milton shots early in the game, and the Lady Eagles didn't get on the board until the ninth minute when Allie Ware scored on a free shot.
But once Milton scored, it started doing so in bunches and had a 5-0 lead 2 minutes later, making it extremely difficult for the Lady Trojans to stage a rally.
"I think we were all pretty nervous," Lassiter midfielder Celia Bouton said. "It was a big game for us, and we had never been here before. We could have done a little better, but we did really well as a whole."
Lydia Cassada and Marissa Hardy led the Lady Eagles with four goals each, while Ware finished with three goals and three assists. Annie Ruland also had three assists and Amanda Lockwood added two goals.
Spencer Hanson scored twice to lead Lassiter. Her unassisted goal from the right of the crease with 12 minutes to play in the half broke Milton's five-goal run to begin the game. Hanson struck again late in the first half on a wraparound goal to cut the Lady Eagles' lead to four goals.
Milton went on another five-goal run to start the second half, going ahead by 11 and taking Lassiter out of the contest. Hannah Sullivan and Johnna Fusco scored late in the game after Milton secured its comfortable lead.
Despite the loss, Lassiter finished its best season in team history and is poised to make another state title run next year with seven starters returning, including Bouton and Sullivan.
"I have no regrets this season," Bouton said. "We all played with our hearts, and we played as a team."
By Michael Alpert
For the AJC
Milton's boys and girls lacrosse teams won Class AAAAA championships at Lassiter on Saturday.
In the sport's first big-school title games separate from classes A-AAAA, the Eagle boys, playing in their first final, defeated the Trojans 13-5. Milton's girls, the all-classification champions 2005-08, beat Lassiter 14-4.
Milton's girls, Georgia's only team to reach every state championship game since lacrosse became a Georgia High School Association-sanctioned sport in 2005, cashed in on their sixth trip there. The Eagles, runner-up last year to Chattahoochee, dominated Saturday.
Milton (18-1) led 5-0 before Lassiter (18-4) managed even a shot. But Lassiter cashed in its first attempt when Johnna Fusco brought the Trojans as close as they would come, 5-1, with 12:14 left in the first half. The Eagles led 7-2 at halftime and held their biggest advantage, 14-3, on Amanda Lockwood's goal with 7:48 to play.
Marissa Hardy and Lydia Cassada, who both scored four goals in the semifinals, again led Milton in the championship game with four apiece. Allie Ware chipped in three.
Eagles coach Tim Godby liked his team's play in recent weeks, including previous playoff wins over East Coweta, Northview and Walton.
"We've focused on not turning the ball over and making the most of every possession," Godby said. "If we have the ball, we know we have to make the most of it."
Milton's boys (18-4) overcame a 1-0 deficit two minutes into the first quarter, then steadily pulled away from Lassiter (17-5) for their eighth consecutive victory. After Ben Aycock's third goal put the Eagles up 8-1 with 9:20 left in the third, Lassiter came within 8-2 on Ben Connolly's goal with a two-player advantage.
Keith Tenuto and Aycock netted three goals apiece, as the Eagles shrugged off disappointment of semifinal losses to Lovett in 2008 and ‘09. Milton became only the second public-school boys champion.
Milton coach Tom Dell said the key to beating East Coweta (21-2), Pope (10-9), Harrison (8-5) and Lassiter in the playoffs was remaining focused.
"You have to be able to handle the momentum shifts and the emotion of it all," he said.
High school state lacrosse championships
By Michael Alpert
For the AJC
Milton’s girls extended its streak as the state's only lacrosse team to reach every state final since the sport became sanctioned by the GHSA six years ago, by beating Walton 23-11 Wednesday.
The Eagles (17-1) will play at Lassiter Saturday for the championship.
Marissa Hardy and Annie Ruland led Milton to its second victory over Walton in two weeks by scoring five and four goals respectively. The Eagles led 17-7 by halftime and never looked back.
"We were good at times and bad at times, but just tried to get out of there alive tonight," said Milton coach Tim Godby. "With 17 points by halftime, we just came out in the second half and tried to run out the clock and not get anybody hurt."
Milton won the first four all-classification championships and was runner-up to Chattahoochee last season.
Lassiter's girls reached the final in dramatic fashion Wednesday, beating Chattahoochee 6-5 on Brooke Green's winning goal with 46 seconds remaining.
By Ryan Peck rpeck@neighbornewspapers.com
Just over one year ago, Chattahoochee unseated Milton to take the GHSA Class-AAAAA title. If both teams get by semifinal opponents on Wednesday, there would be a rematch of the ’09 final on Saturday at Chattahoochee High School.
Milton (16-1-3) hosts Walton (14-6), a team it hammered, 23-7, just 12 days ago. ‘Hooch (15-1-2) travels to Lassiter (17-3), a team it defeated, 13-7, on March 1. The Lady Trojans eliminated Alpharetta, 17-7, in the last round.
“Lassiter is certainly looking to knock us off, and they have definitely improved over the course of the season,” said ‘Hooch head coach Jack McIlvain. “We will be ready, though. This is a veteran team that has always risen to the challenge.”
McIlvain said Katie Wingrove, Lindsay Brinker, Emma Goodnow, Hailey Lindley, and Kelly Arnhart have shined during the Lady Cougars’ first two state wins over Kell and Roswell. He said a very workmanlike aura surrounds the team, as it looks to repeat as state champs.
Milton would love to reclaim the GHSA crown – which it wore from 2005 to 2008. The Lady Eagles have breezed past East Coweta and Northview thus far at state.
“We’ve got a young team finally growing up and gelling at the right time,” said Milton head coach Tim Godby. “We’re playing together well and everything is clicking for us.”
Gody said he was pleased with the defensive job Elizabeth Bunn did on Northview’s Meagan Maguire during Milton’s 22-7 win on Saturday.
The Lady Eagles have also spread around the scoring, as teams focus on seniors Marissa Hardy and Allie Ware.
Milton and Chattahoochee tied, 11-11, during a regular season meeting on March 5.
BOY’S FINAL GAME IS SATURDAY
All four No. 1 seeds have advanced to the boy’s Class-AAAAA semis, which will be played tonight with Milton battling Harrison and Northview taking on Lassiter for the right to advance to Saturday’s GHSA state title game.
The Eagles (16-4) took out East Coweta, 21-2, and Pope, 10-9, prior to the semis. The Titans (16-4) eliminated Woodstock, 13-6, and nearby Alpharetta – in an 8-7 triple OT thriller – during the first two rounds.
A Northview win would allow the Titans to host the championship game on Saturday. Per the GHSA brackets, Milton is destined to travel to the winner of the Lassiter/Northview game, if the Eagles get by Harrison today.
The Blessed Trinity boys (9-6) fell to McIntosh, 10-6, in a first-round Class-A-AAAA game.
Likewise, the BT girls (11-5-1) and Johns Creek Lady Gladiators (10-2-2) dropped close first-round games – to McIntosh and Woodward Academy, respectively – last week.
By Michael Alpert
For the AJC
May 3, 2010
High school lacrosse has changed. Tuesday the sport begins its first year of separate state playoffs for Class AAAAA and Class A/AAAA teams.
The Milton girls have not changed. The Eagles are the state's only team to reach all five of the all-classification finals. They won championships the first four years and finished second last season.
"We prepare with [making the finals] in mind from the very start of the season in practice," Eagles coach Tim Godby said. "Our expectation is to not only play in the final every year but, obviously, to win it."
Milton's title streak was ended last year by Chattahoochee, 9-7. Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., the Area 3-AAAAA champion Eagles (14-1-3) embark on another playoff run by hosting Area 1-AAAAA's fourth-place East Coweta. With Bailey Anders in goal, midfielder Marissa Hardy and attacker Allie Ware hope to lead the Eagles into the May 15 finals by building on their combined 130 goals.
Chattahoochee's girls (13-1-2) and Lovett's boys (11-6) are back to defend titles. The Cougars, winners of Area 4-AAAAA, host Kell, the fourth qualifier from Area 2-AAAAA, on Wednesday. The Lions, winners of Area 1-A-AAAA, play North Springs, the fourth seed from Area 3-A-AAAA.
West Forsyth's girls enter the playoffs as the state's only unbeaten team. Seeded first from Area 3-A/AAAA, the Wolverines put their 17-0 record to the test Tuesday against Starr's Mill, seeded fourth from Area 1-A/AAAA.
Playoff separation between the biggest schools and smaller ones has met with mixed reaction.
"[Two divisions] could help support the sport's growth, because more teams than ever are getting into the playoff experience," he said. "Then again, it waters things down a little to have 32 teams in [each division's] playoffs. That's about half the schools that have teams."
Class AAAAA and A/AAAA lacrosse playoffs
When: Tuesday through May 15
Where: Various sites
2009 all-classification champions: Lovett boys, Chattahoochee
http://www.ajc.com/sports/high-school/lacrosse-playoffs-change-milton-515374.html
Congratulations to Coach Godby for winning his 100th game with Milton Varsity Girls!
Back, and with a purpose
By Ryan Peck
rpeck@neighbornewspapers.com
May 9, 2009 was a bitter day on the campus of Milton High School.
After winning four consecutive state lacrosse titles, the Lady Eagles fell to Chattahoochee that day in the GHSA finals.
On an otherwise picturesque, sun-splashed afternoon, Milton relinquished its throne. And 14 underclassmen were left with the haunting knowledge that a shot at redemption was a long away. The feeling would have to stick for awhile.
But in the 10-and-a-half months since, Milton head coach Tim Godby said things have changed. Godby believes a lack of urgency from some of last season’s veterans played a hand in the Lady Eagles’ ultimate postseason demise. He said Milton is recalibrated and refocused in 2010, and early returns suggest he may be right.
“We have better leadership this year from our senior class. They’re more focused and realize that it takes a lot of hard work to be able to win a state championship,” said Godby, who mentioned six juniors from last year’s squad also decided not to return this spring.
“We are a more talented team this year,” continued the coach. “We’re not as experienced, but I think by the end of the season we’re gonna be that much better than we were last year.”
Though this year’s senior class is small in numbers, it is ripe with talent and leadership. All-Americans Allie Ware and Marissa Hardy – along with steady goalie Bailey Anders and defender Emma Nye – have taken it upon themselves to be vocal and get things organized. The foursome is a big reason Milton – ranked No. 2 in LaxPower’s computer poll – has peppered five of six opponents by an average
score of 22-8.
“That’s the biggest change – we’re trying to be better prepared this year,” said Godby. “We’re working harder in practice to get better.”
TOP-10 TALENT
Joining the Lady Eagles in the Top-10 from LaxPower as the week began were four more north Fulton teams. The undefeated clubs from Chattahoochee and Roswell ranked No. 3 and No. 5, respectively, while Northview came in at No. 4, and Alpharetta No. 7.
The Milton Eagles lead the local boys with a No. 3 ranking, while Northview was right behind them at No. 4 when the week began.
WDIA Champs Ready to Throw Down in A-Town by David Ely | Special to Lacrosse Magazine Online | WDIA Top 25 Poll To say senior Bri Beach has a full plate these days would be a gross understatement.
The president of the Virginia Tech Club team -- as well as the four other club officer -- plays both the role of team leader on the field and team administrator off it.
Not only does she play, but she also helps run practices. She fundraises, plans schedules and works out the Hokies' travel logistics.
Beach estimates that she spends about 18 hours per week (about nine of them playing, the rest earmarked on the administrative side) on lacrosse, and that’s on top of a regular semester’s worth of classes.
Why is Beach’s life so much more complex than, say, a team captain on No. 1-ranked Santa Clara?
Santa Clara has a coach to handle all the other details involved in running a successful program. Virginia Tech does not.
The Hokies are on their own, and they like it that way.
“From the playing standpoint … I think it works really well,” Beach said Tuesday while doing team-related paper work. “It’s easier for us to coach ourselves. We get to know the players really well, and you know who plays better together.”
Beach said that because she and the other officers also play, it’s easier for them to figure out what lineups are most effective than for someone watching from the sidelines, removed from the action.
But there is a fine line on which Beach must carefully tread.
Someone with the title of coach, a person who’s a clear-cut authority figure, can make hard decisions without worrying as much about chemistry and feelings.
A coach can remove himself or herself from the team and decide who should get playing time and who shouldn’t. It’s harder to make those decisions when you’re dealing with teammates and friends.
“That’s hard,” Beach said. “There’s times where it is hard to distance yourself from stuff. But the fact that you’re elected into the position -- I guess you could relate it to being a class president -- they know that you have some sort of authority.
“There are definitely some times where it’s difficult.”
Beach said that the Hokies try to relieve tensions by making sure everyone plays.
The player-run system definitely is working.
The Hokies won the 2009 WDIA National Championship with a 17-9 victory over Colorado. They were the only team without a traditional coach to make Nationals.
Virginia Tech began this season ranked No. 1 in the nation has jumped out to an 8-0 record this year. The Hokies are currently ranked No. 13 because of a soft schedule to start the season.
They will get a chance this weekend to see how they stack up against some of the nation’s elite.
Virginia Tech travels to Athens, Ga., for the A-Town Throwdown, where it will play No. 6 Colorado, No. 10 Florida Club, No. 11 Colorado State and No. 9 Georgia.
The program’s recent success has earned the Hokies some respect and admiration from the WDIA community.
“It’s very very impressive to see them play well without a coach,” Santa Clara coach Brendan O’Brien said. “It’s very impressive to see them travel without a coach.”
Impressed, yes. But is O’Brien surprised to see a team without a coach be one of the best in the nation?
“Am I surprised? No,” he said. “I think some coaches are more involved than others. Some programs are very much player-run, and they’re successful.”
But despite all of their success and the fact that Beach and the other club officers share many of the same responsibilities as coaches, Beach said that she doesn’t think other WDIA coaches necessarily view them as peers.
That’s OK, though, because they don’t either.
“We’re definitely not coaches, but we’re more than players,” Beach said. “There’s some sort of middle ground.
“My vice president [Diane Revalski] just said we’re ‘captains on steroids.’”
WDIA Notes
The second WDIA Division II Poll was announced March 16. Here are the rankings: 1. California Club, 2. UNC Club, 3. Univ. of San Diego, 4. Texas State, 5. Denver Club, 6. Southern Methodist (SMU), 7. Georgia Tech, 8. Arizona, 9. St. Benedict, 10. Oakland, 11. Sonoma State, 12. Vermont, 13. UC San Diego, 14. Western Washington, 15. Georgetown Club, 16. St. Thomas, 17. Gustavus Adolphus, 18. Chapman, 19. College of New Jersey and 20. Wyoming… In Division I play, No. 1 Santa Clara hosts No. 5 UC Davis on April 3. UC Davis coach Erica Jue said the game could really establish her team as a legitimate Nationals threat. “I do. I think that. That could be huge for us.”
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The Swarthmore women's lacrosse team (1-0) opened the 2010 season in dominating fashion, defeating Neumann 21-2 in the second game of the Tri-Co Invitational on Saturday afternoon at Clothier Field.
Sophomore Annelise Mowry (5) and junior Amy Vachal (4) were the stars for the Garnet, combining for 10 of the Swarthmore's 21 goals.
The Garnet came out hot in its first half of play of the 2010 season, finding the back of the net three times in the first four minutes to put the Knights (1-1) in an early 3-0 hole.
Swat dominated the first half scoring 14 goals due to explosive offensive play from Mowry - who netted four of her five goals in the first half. The Garnet lit up the Neumann keeper with 22 shots in the first half.
The second half saw Swarthmore finding the net seven more times, this time led by the sophomore Maddie Williams who scored the Garnets final three goals.
Defense played a big role in the game as the Garnet caused 16 Neumann turnovers and picked up 21 ground balls to Neumann's only 12 ground balls.
In the net, senior Allison Grein came up big with nine saves to hold the Knights to only two goals in the game.
The Garnet out-shot Neumann 35 to 19 and put 28 of those on net.
Alex Bohen and Colleen Finnegan scored the Knights' two goals.
The Garnet women will continue their season on Wednesday, March 10 when they travel to South Carolina to face off against Trine (Ind.). Play is set to begin at 7 PM.
Allie Ware has accepted an offer to play at the
NCAA Division 1 University of Richmond
CONGRATULATIONS ALLIE!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MARISSA HARDY! She broke Milton's high score record of 199 held by Brianna Beach on February 26th when she scored her 200th goal. She was awarded the game ball by Coach Godby. WAY TO GO MARISSA!!!
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-- As league play began to heat up despite the damp weatherthis past weekend, Boston University senior midfielder Sarah Dalton (Cornwall, Vt./Taft School) and University of Vermont freshman goalkeeper Olivia Hatfield (Alpharetta, Ga./Milton) were difference-makers for their respective teams. Dalton's offensive production earned her the America East Player of the Week for the period ending March 29, while Hatfield's effort between the posts made her the recipient of both the Defender and Rookie of the Week accolades.
In the Terriers' only game of the week, Dalton scored a game-high six goals to lead Boston U. in its conference-opener against Albany. In the 15-9 win, she filled the stat sheet with five ground balls, two caused turnovers and five draw controls. The reigning player of the year once again leads the conference in goals and points per game, and is receiving the weekly accolade for the second time this season.
In a 1-1 week for Vermont, Hatfield came up big with a career-high 18 saves in a league win over UMBC. The 11-6 victory improved the Catamounts to 2-0 in America East play and put them in first-place position in the league standings. For the week, Hatfield posted a 8.89 goals-against average and a .588 saves percentage. She becomes the first Catamount to earn the weekly defender honors this season. Hatfield is the third different Catamount to earn the top weekly rookie honor this season and it is the fourth time in five weeks a Vermont rookie has received the award.
Freshman goalkeeper Olivia Hatfield has earned the start for the Catamounts in the cage in the past two games. She leads America East goalkeepers in saves per game (10.33) and ranks second in save percentage (.525). She made a career-high 13 saves in the double-overtime loss to Holy Cross.
By Michael Alpert
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/22/08
Having been Milton's catcher in softball, Olivia Hatfield thought nothing of putting on a goalie's mask and trying lacrosse at her teammates' insistence four seasons ago.
"I'd never even seen lacrosse," she said. "I showed up, they threw a stick in my hand, stuck me in goal and said, 'Here, try and stop this ball.'
"It was actually incredibly challenging, which was so motivating for me," said Hatfield, the Northside girls player of the year. "I'm such a competitive person. I thought, 'This is something I want to learn to do.' "
Hatfield wound up loving her new sport, eventually quitting softball and helping Milton to four consecutive state lacrosse championships.
The crown jewel of her lacrosse career came two weeks ago, when the Eagles (17-5) clinched the title against Westminster. Now she's off to play lacrosse on scholarship at the University of Vermont.
Hatfield, who saved 70 percent of shots against her this season, is a primary reason the Eagles have won the sport's girls championship in its four years of existence.
"We needed a goalie that year and knew Olivia was competitive and would be willing to help us," Eagles coach Tim Godby said. "Not everybody wants to be in there, having people taking shots at them, but she's not afraid and has very quick reflexes. A lot of people think the girl who's slow is in goal, but she's one of our quickest players."
Hatfield considered her role vital as the Eagles ended their season with eight consecutive wins and an unbeaten record against Georgia opponents.
"Every great play begins with a save from a keeper, a clear, and a pass out to someone to take the ball down the field," Hatfield said. "All I have to do as a goalie is save more shots than we score. Really, I think I just have to save the win."
It wasn't long after softball teammates Bethany Kotun and Claire Thurman had talked her into playing lacrosse that Hatfield got a painful dose of the sport's reality. After being hit in the throat by a shot, she wondered for a moment —- but only a moment —- about her choice.
"I thought, 'Wow, that was rough,' " she said. Then, " 'Let's do it again.' "
2008 ALL-NORTHSIDE LACROSSE TEAM GIRLS
| Player | School | Yr | Pos. |
| Olivia Hatfield | Milton | Sr | K |
| Lizzy Bowen | Blessed Trinity | Sr | D |
| Maddie Fink | Chattahoochee | Jr | Att. |
| Allison Koons | Kell | Jr | Att. |
| Barkley Kasmer | Northview | So | Att. |
| Vanessa Charles | Pope | Sr | MF |
| Natalie Hill | Milton | Sr | Att. |
| Lyndsay Griffin | Sprayberry | Sr | MF |
| Keller Torrey | Centennial | Jr | MF |
| Catherine Beadles | Marist | Sr | Att. |
By Jason Wright
Milton Herald
Published on: 05/15/08
May 19, 2008
MILTON -- How many state championships must a team rack up before you can call it a dynasty? For the Milton High School Lady Eagles varsity lacrosse team, let's call it four.
Proving that they are the dominant force in Georgia state girls lacrosse, the Lady Eagles soundly defeated rivals Westminster 8-5 in the state championship match May 10 at their home stadium.
It was the fourth consecutive state championship for the Milton program, which has won every year since the Georgia High School Association sanctioned the sport in 2005.
The result of the game was never much in doubt, as Milton defeated its three previous playoff opponents this year by a combined score of 51-17 using its stunning transition game to score quickly and often.
In fact, Westminster led the championship match only once -- early and only by a goal. Once they inevitably came alive Milton piled up score after score.
The Lady Eagles held a three goal advantage for most of the game and their defense clicked against Westminster's settled offense, so when time ran out Milton was able to secure the title and their place in history.
Coach Tim Godby, a college basketball player and middle school teacher who stepped into the program in 2005 having never coached or even seen girls' lacrosse, said the secret to the team's success is a mixture of god-given talent and experience deep in the playoffs.
"Six of our seniors were on the varsity team the past three years," he said. "The more experienced players you have, it's just to our advantage."
Part of that battle tested grit came from a specially planned spring break trip to Pennsylvania, where Milton's team went 0-3 against squads in the area. In total, the Lady Eagles took on five out-of-state teams, all of them ranked higher than Milton, and came away with one win.
"The girls really stepped up to the challenge and realized it was going help us in the end," said Godby. "We took the program to another level this year."
Team captain Susannah Hardy agreed. A senior headed to UGA in the fall, Hardy has played on the varsity team since her sophomore year.
"For us, teamwork has been the positive thing," she said. "On and off the field, we work really well together."
Olivia Hatfield, the Lady Eagles' goalie, has won a state championship every year since she picked up a stick as a freshman. A former varsity softball player, Hatfield decided to try out for lacrosse to help stay active in the off-season. She will be attending the University of Vermont in the fall on a full lacrosse scholarship.
"She's been huge for us all year, just shutting down opponents," said Godby.
Hatfield said though she hadn't even seen a lacrosse stick until February, 2005 -- the day she decided to try out at her softball teammates' urging -- the level of coaching and teamwork at Milton meant she learned quick and well.
"After that, it's just been awesome," she said. "It was surreal to know I've worked this hard and gotten this far."
Hatfield, who credits her success with her parents' hard nosed work ethic, said without the culture of Milton lacrosse no amount of hard work would have paid off so richly.
"I've been surrounded by an absolutely amazing program," she said. "I think that's what has really fostered these championships."
Hardy agreed, saying Godby's devotion to the game and his team pushed the girls past any doubts they might have had.
"We've came so far this season," she said. "It's been a great run for all the seniors on the team."
And though the Lady Eagles will be losing eight starters to graduation this year, Godby said they'll definitely be contenders next year, as well.
"We've got a good nucleus of girls coming next year to help us contend for a state title," he said.
By Andrew B. Adler
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/11/08
Tim Godby had never coached a lacrosse game when he was asked to take over the Milton Eagles' girls varsity program four years ago.
Olivia Hatfield, Milton's goalkeeper, had never played a game, nor seen a lacrosse stick, before she attended her first practice back in winter 2005.
And like Hatfield, Natalie Hill and Sarah Michel were also freshmen when they became members of the Eagles' varsity lacrosse squad that same year. None could fathom what they and five other teammates would accomplish over the course of the next four years.
Milton's eight seniors will forever remember their state championships. The Eagles made it four straight with their 8-5 victory over the visiting Westminster Wildcats on Saturday.
"To me, lacrosse is game of X's and O's, just like basketball," Godby said. "So it was an easy transition for me when I took over a program a year after we reached the final four. At our first practice, I told the players that we were going to work hard and we are here to win. I didn't imagine us, though, winning four straight at the time."
Hill, Michel and fellow seniors Susannah Hardy and Annelise Mowry staked Milton to a 4-1 lead.
The Eagles (17-5) gave notice that, despite the impending loss of eight seniors to graduation, winning a fifth straight championship is not unthinkable. The ones who will undertake that bid, sophomores Allie Ware and Marissa Hardy, scored the next three Milton goals.
Ware's first of two goals gave the Eagles a 5-2 halftime lead. It was 6-3 when she scored her second goal. Mowry made it 7-3.
"That three-goal lead they built was too much for us to overcome," said Jay Watts, Westminister's coach for the past 10 years.
The Wildcats' only lead came on Milly McAdam's first of three goals early in the first half.
"I knew we had something special here," said Hill, who scored the Eagles' first goal. "We had a new coach, new leaders. We knew what we had to do to become champions the last four years."
By Phillip Giltman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/27/08
Next to playing alongside her big sister, Susannah, Milton's Marissa Hardy says her favorite thing about lacrosse is scoring goals.
"It is one of the best feelings you can have," the sophomore midfielder said.
Hardy, a starter the last two years, hopes to lead the Eagles to their fourth consecutive state championship.
"We just need to keep doing what we have been doing," Hardy said. "We have to stay focused, play tough defense and stick together as a team, and we are good to go."
Head coach Tim Godby said Hardy's best attributes are her strength and quickness.
"As a sophomore, she plays beyond her years," he said. "With her talent, she will only continue to improve as she matures and gets a better understanding of how the game is played."
The Eagles spent a portion of their spring break in Philadelphia competing against several high schools up north.
"We lost all three games, but it was good to see that kind of play because it is very different," she said. "They play the game a lot faster up north, and they have great stick skills because everyone starts playing from the time they are young."
Hardy, who attended her first lacrosse clinic in Philadelphia seven years ago, said she has witnessed the game spread to the South.
"The competition is getting a lot harder," she said. "I think that is because more kids are starting to pick up sticks and the game is growing down here."
Hardy, who calls lacrosse the fastest game on two feet, attributes Milton's success to coaching, team camaraderie and stellar defense.
"We are taught to learn how to play defense before we learn how to play offense," she said. "Even in our attacking drills, we incorporate defense."
Hardy said beating Northview as a freshman last year to win the state championship was one of the best days of her life.
"I remember every minute of every play," she said. "It was so fast-paced and the most intense game I have ever played in."
And victory never tasted sweeter.
"I remember the bus ride home with all the girls," she said. "We were playing music. I had so much fun."
Godby said he can see how much Hardy enjoys having her sister as a teammate.
"She is lucky to have had the opportunity to play with her older sister the past two years," he said. "Susannah is a great person for Marissa to look up to because she is a great student-athlete and has great leadership skills. The two work well together on the field and have a great relationship off the field."
Hardy, who also ran cross country for Milton, would love to play college lacrosse at the University of Virginia.
"They were national champions last year, and I went to camp there over the summer," she said. "It is a beautiful school, and they have an amazing lacrosse program."
Godby said she has the potential to make it.
"She has a great future ahead of her and will no doubt be able to play lacrosse at the college [level] if she continues to work hard and improve," he said.
By Phillip Giltman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/14/08
With Milton seeking its fourth consecutive state championship in girls lacrosse, coach Tim Godby attributes the success to coaching, parents, administration, booster club and, naturally, the talent of his players. Godby talked about the sport with staff writer Phillip Giltman:
Q: Is it true defense wins championships?
A: Absolutely. We stress defense more than anything. Every player on the field has to play defense. We want to create turnovers, and we stress good defensive fundamentals. That's where I feel we have the advantage over other teams.
Q: Are three state championships in a row your biggest coaching accomplishment?
A: I would say so. Each year, it's harder to win. Competition is getting better, so we have to work harder. Going three-for-three is quite an accomplishment. Teams play their best when they play us. They mark us on their schedule.
Q: Do you have any rituals or traditions that you do?
A: I'll take a drink of Gatorade if we need a boost. I always have a red Gatorade because our colors our red. I try and do everything the same. I make sure the girls are prepared and focused during warm-ups, but I don't have a lot of superstitions.
Q: What is your coaching philosophy?
A: Our offense starts when our defense gets the ball. Obviously, we want to score on a fast break, but we don't run a lot of set plays. We spread the field out and try and take advantage of one-on-one situations. We set picks to get open, and we always work on our transition game.
Q: If you could change one rule about high school girls lacrosse, what would it be?
A: The three-second rule. The defense can't be in the eight-meter mark for more than three seconds unless they are engaged or guarding somebody. I would get rid of that three-second rule. You should be able to help out your teammate on defense.
Q: What is your biggest celebrity encounter?
A: I met John Wooden about eight years ago at a UCLA basketball camp. We talked about his coaching philosophy, I heard success stories, and he also explained how he relates to his players. He stressed basics and fundamentals before everything else.
Q: How do you deal with players who think they need to shoot every time?
A: We take preventive measures and stress teamwork. We want the girls to be a threat to score and always look to go to goal, but if they don't have the shot, then they should throw it to an open teammate. Communication and having everyone on the same page is key.
Champion Milton lacrosse team perfect 15-0
by Staff Writer Northfulton.com
May 12, 2005
The Milton High School girls lacrosse team capped a perfect 15-0 season with a decisive 12-6 pounding of Westminster in the state championship game. In doing so, the Lady Eagles became the first public school to be state champions in lacrosse and the first girls team to win it as a Georgia High School Association-sanctioned championship. Team members are Callen Runyan, Briana Beach, Molly Boyd, Jessica Daniel, Dani Davisson, Bethany Kotun, Amanda Kramer, Megan McCloy, Beth Nielsen, Sarah Peck, Tammy Robinson, Stephanie Runyan, Lauren Salley, Kelli Shine, Leman Tatari, Claire Thurman, Sarah Michelle, Jordan Freking, Kelsey Roach and Cayman Dapp. Coaches are Tim Godby, Janis McCloy and Becky Saarela.
Milton girl's lacrosse conclude stellar year.
Team ranked No. 1 in the South
June 03, 2004
By John Schneider - Northfulton.com
SPECIAL
The Milton girl's varsity lacrosse team finished the 2004 season with a stellar record of 16-1. The Eagles finished the seasn ranked first in Georgia and No. 1 in the entire South, which incldes all high school teams in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
The 2004 season was another great year for the Eagles. Among the team's accomplishments were:
First public school team to finish the regular season undefeated 15-0. This was accomplished by playing every top ranked team with the exception of Westminster.
28-2 combined regular season record over the past two seasons following a 4-10 record in 2002.
31-4 total over the same period. 3 out of the 4 loses have been to Lovett (2003 & 2004 champions).
1st time wins over Lovett and North Springs.
Finished 2004 ranked first in the entire South. This includes all high school teams in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
1st ever All-American from Milton (Kelsea Adams).
Post Season Honors:
All-American - Kelsea Adams
All-State - Kelsea Adams (2nd team attack), Briana Beach (2nd team midfield), Natalie Galvin (1st team midfield), Bethany Kotun (honorable mention midfield), Megan McCloy (2nd team midfield), Sarah Peck (1st team defense), and Kirstin Schneider (2nd team goalie).
All-State Team Selection - Milton had 5 players selected to represent Georgia in the National Tournament. Briana Beach (midfield), Natalie Galvin (alternate), Megan McCloy (attack), Sarah Peck (defense), and Kirstin Schneider (goalie).
High School Seniors All-Star Team - Kelsea Adams, Anna Brusack an dMeggan Bien.
The season was a hard 15 game campaign that featured games against all the states top teams. Milton approached every game with teh attitude of "anyone can beat anyone on any given day." This commitment proved important throughout the season.
Milton has made it to the "final four" each of the last two season.
