After being eliminated in the class A semifinals for the second year in a row, the Saratoga Springs girls lacrosse team wants to climb back to the top of Section II.
The girls are saying, ‘Bring it on.’ We want the challenge, said Saratoga coach Sue Hoffman.
The team’s enthusiasm stems from the energy of tri-captains Kat Sutton, Natalie Jones and goaltender Erin Delancey.
`The captains are key in being off-season catalysts,` said Hoffman. `They were getting the girls together to work out, play wall ball generally making sure that people kept a stick in their hands.`
Sutton served as an on-field catalyst for the Blue Streaks in their first game, a 12-4 victory over Kingston last Thursday. The senior scored six goals to lead Saratoga’s offense against a stubborn Kingston squad.
`Even though (girls) lacrosse is relatively new to the area, (Kingston) is very fast, very athletic and they didn’t roll over,` said Hoffman.
The Blue Streaks had a tougher challenge Saturday, as they fell to Section III power Baldwinsville 11-9. Still, Hoffman was pleased with the result.
`We went to play against girls who are so well disciplined, and we were only down 7-6 at the half,` said Hoffman. `We made it a real game, and we use that as motivation going into the (Suburban Council) season.
Saratoga opened its Suburban Council schedule Tuesday with a 14-10 victory over an improved Shenendehowa squad in Clifton Park. The Blue Streaks jumped out to a 6-2 halftime lead and fended off several Lady Plainsmen challenges in the second half to earn the win.
Sutton had five goals and two assists, while Jones contributed a hat trick and four assists for Saratoga. Claire O’Brien paced Shen with five goals.
New coach, new attitude
Alaina Fersch seems to have the right attitude about sports.
In her first year as head coach at Shen, Fersch has developed a mind-set for success.
`As long as we believe we can do it and we work hard in practice, we can get it done,` said Fersch.
That mind-set helped Shen open the season with a 12-7 victory over Kingston last week. Despite having limited practice time on a field, the Lady Plainsmen came through with a strong second half to pull out the win.
`A handful of people scored (goals),` said Fersch. `It wasn’t just one person leading.`
Fersch and assistant coach Holli Mulholland ` Shen’s varsity girls soccer coach ` have worked hard to develop a team concept to the Lady Plainsmen’s attack.
`Last year we had our standouts and then everybody else was kind of in the middle,` said Fersch. `Holli and I work well as a team, and when the girls see that, it translates into their play.`
O’Brien and senior Cathleen Calabro are back to lead Shen’s offense, while junior goaltenders Kim Elsworth and Lauren Marois will anchor a defense that will feature some new faces including Brittany Kotarski and Molly Popolizio.
`We’re looking for our returning seniors to put in a strong effort,` said Fersch. `We also have a strong group of younger girls who excelled in (junior varsity).“