Like its boys counterparts, Fallston represented Harford County well by taking home the Class 1A girls lacrosse state title last season after three straight years of runner-up finishes. This year, area coaches expect the Cougars to be back at the top despite graduating 13 seniors.
Their top challengers in the county could be C. Milton Wright or Bel Air. One area coach lauded the Mustangs’ development, saying they “always have a strong foundation” and “continue to grow and master each year,” while the Bobcats return a strong group of seniors looking to improve on a regional championship run last season.
Meanwhile, John Carroll expects to compete for an IAAM title after returning a dynamic senior class, including a transfer who was featured in USA Lacrosse’s preseason All-America watch list.
Here’s what to watch for this season in Harford County girls lacrosse. (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information.)
Bel Air
Coach: Kristen Barry, 11th season
Last year: 10-4 overall, regional champions
Top returners: Seniors Paige Feick (midfield), Riley Manzo, (midfield) and Darby Doehring (attack).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Abby Sweet (defense); freshmen Ava Guanti (defense) and Alyssa Robinson (attack).
Coach’s outlook: “This season, the Bobcats are looking to build on the successes of last season. We lost last year’s four starting defenders but return the majority of our attack and midfield. We are excited to see how the new members to varsity blend in with the returners. The attitude and mantra for the season is to have fun, play free and be fierce.”
C. Milton Wright
Coach: Faye Brust, seventh season
Last year: 10-6
Top returners: Seniors Sam Wolfkill (attack), Emma Jankowiak (attack) and Kailyn Schleicher (defense).
Newcomer to watch: Freshman Teagan Crouch (midfield).
Coach’s outlook: “I look forward to seeing a young group break out of their shells. We had a lot of powerful personalities graduate last year, so seeing them come into their own this season will be a lot of fun.”
Edgewood
Coach: Mackenzie Souder, fourth season
Last year: 3-12
Top returners: Senior Moezella Robinson (midfield); junior Mallory Hax (midfield); sophomore Emmerson Whittington (midfield).
Newcomers to watch: Angelina Benny and Milani Worrell.
Coach’s outlook: “We’re looking forward to seeing growth and confidence over time. We ask for the team to treat each practice like a game day and give it all you got. If you put the effort in, you can only move forward.”
Fallston
Coach: Madalyn Ricucci, seventh season
Last year: 12-6, 1A state champions
Top returners: Seniors Sydney Grafton (attack) and Natalie Wirth (defense); junior Liv Parker (attack).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Campbell Foxx (midfield), Alex Croucher (defense); sophomore Camryn Dauphinais (midfield).
Coach’s outlook: “We graduated 13 seniors from last year’s team, which means we’ll have a lot of opportunities for younger/newer players to step up. We have to remember that a season is a marathon and not a sprint — obviously we’re going to have things to work through. We need to focus on one thing at a time and get better every day.”
Havre de Grace
Coach: Mel Rimel-Holloway, ninth season
Last year: 7-6
Top returners: Senior Elle Gasdia (attack); juniors Sophie Molyneux (midfield) and Sophia Holloway (defense).
Newcomers to watch: “The Warriors are excited to welcome a group of freshmen who are bringing a fresh and balanced dynamic to the team.”
Coach’s outlook: “The Havre de Grace Warriors are looking forward to a season filled with growth, teamwork and determination. With a blend of talented, promising and eager players, the team is poised to build strong relationships both on and off the field.”
John Carroll
Coach: Laura Seifert, third season
Last year: 8-8, IAAM quarterfinalists
Top returners: Seniors Grace Marchetti (midfield), Annie Minoglio (attack); junior Pieper McCue (attack).
Newcomer to watch: Senior Alexa Lang (goalie).
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking to build on a successful campaign from last year, where we made an impressive run to the quarterfinals. With key returners and fresh talent coming in, expectations are set and there’s a renewed sense of determination in the air within the team.”
North Harford
Coach: Haley Ford, second season
Last year: 6-7, regional finalist
Top returners: Senior Reagan Cadden (defense); junior Peyton Dawson (goalie); sophomore Emily Wilson (midfield).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Chloe Szramka (attack) and Camryn Appleby (midfield).
Coach’s outlook: “One game at a time. We are looking forward to building off the momentum that we gained at the end of last season. In order to be in the mix we will need to play confident and consistent lacrosse. I am looking forward to getting the season started.”
Patterson Mill
Coach: Rob Persing, fourth season
Last year: 9-5
Top returners: Seniors Gabriella Eraso (midfield) and Payton Chase (midfield); junior Sam Chittum (attack).
Newcomer to watch: Freshman attack Emily Tapley
Coach’s outlook: “Patterson Mill will be young and raw in talent. We look forward to maturing as the season goes on.”
Have a news tip? Contact Taylor Lyons at tlyons@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/TaylorJLyons.
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