[/media-credit]
- Senior Hannah McGoldrick, a captain with seniors Alison Berkowitz and Kayla Farina, practices for an upcoming game.
by Ryan Condon
Girls’ lacrosse, 11-5-1, lost to Needham at home yesterday 17-11. The game was an encouraging sign that the team can compete against some of the best competition in the league and go far in the playoffs, according to coach Kim Hamilton.
“This was a loss, but Needham is one of the best teams in our league, and it’s good that we can compete with them,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said that a way the Tigers could have won would be improving their draw control, getting possession when play begins.
“Needham just kept winning all the draws, and draw control is extremely important because you get immediate posession,” she said.
The team is also working on handling tough mental situations in practice. “We run a lot of drills that involve pressure situations, so that the girls don’t panic during the game,” Hamilton said.
Seniors Kayla Farina and Hannah McGoldrick and sophomore Shannon Fitzgerald were named first-team Bay State all-stars, and senior Allison Berkowitz was named an honorable mention. Fitzgerald was also named a second-team EMGLCA all-star.
The team had already qualified for the playoffs, according to Hamilton, which will begin around Memorial Day depending on how many teams make the tournament. The team’s only regular season game left is tomorrow at South.
“Just because we’re qualified for the tournament doesn’t mean we can get lazy. It’s important to get a high seed, so that we can hopefully face an easier team,” Hamilton said.
“This close game with Needham made us confident that we can go far in the tournament.”