Both the boys and girls varsity lacrosse teams had big shoes to fill this season after losing last year’s seniors.
As young teams comprised primarily of underclassmen, this season’s squads had to play smarter and work even harder because of their youth and relative inexperience.
Although this will benefit them in future years, for these past seasons, it has meant that the teams must adapt to playing against older, more experienced teams.
The boys finished the 2015 season with a 9-5 record and graduated eight seniors. The girls finished with a 6-6 record, also losing eight seniors to graduation this year.
Being a relatively inexperienced team this year, the Lady Rams used this season to rebuild and come together under new head coach, Jesse Rutter. Rutter had coached the JV girls team last year, but this was his first season coaching varsity.
“This year was mostly about learning the game and improving our skills, and I think next year, having improved those skills, it’ll be a better season,” returning sophomore Jillian Krawczel said. “I’m feeling quite optimistic for next year.”
“Every season is different, it just depends on the personnel available. For instance, this year we have almost all first year starters, and a lot of those are underclassmen, so a successful season to me means that we get better every day, expand our knowledge of the game, and learn what it takes to compete at the varsity level,” Rutter said. “Next year, as those girls all get a year older and more experienced, those expectations will change a lot.”
The boys team is coached by returning coach Lorenze Lancaster. After the loss of many seniors, this year was also a rebuilding season for the young team.
“I am both nervous and excited for the season. I think losing most of last year’s starting lineup to graduation will provide its share of challenges, but at the same time I’m confident because the boys are focused and motivated to win,” junior attack man Nolan Gumucio said.
As the boys team was mainly made up of underclassmen, and had only four seniors, this year was also a learning season for them.
“We had a really difficult schedule; we played a lot of hard teams and we have a lot of young talent. Our record does not reflect our skill, and next year we will be more experienced and hopefully have a better record,” sophomore varsity defender Gabe Reyes said.
As the season comes to an end, both teams are continuing to work with hopes of improving their records next year.