A new look will shape the MVRHS girls lacrosse program in 2018 after a grinder of a 2017 campaign (7-8) that featured three one-goal and one two-goal loss in Eastern Athletic Conference league play.
Head Coach Kurstin (Meehan) Moore has five varsity spots to fill this season from 33 candidates and returning veterans. She is buoyed by the fact that all of her players have youth league and high school experience. “That’s very helpful because we don’t have to teach the game. They understand the game. I’m excited to focus on drills and skills, and see players emerge,” the third-year head coach said this week, noting that former MVRHS (2016) LAX standout Belle Dinning, with a college semester off, will coach the JV squad, joining assistant varsity coach Bob Hayman, the Island’s former youth lacrosse program director.
The varsity program graduated two seniors, and three other players are not returning; this week of outside practice and a home scrimmage on Friday at 3:30 against Falmouth Academy will help determine the final rosters of varsity and junior varsity teams.
Wintry early-season weather tends to produce both injuries and cancellations, and Moore has the luxury of experienced players, with 15 returning sophomores and juniors at the JV and varsity levels to adjust to situations that arise.
“We had a lot of nailbiters last year, no question. This year we’re still in the EAC. Next year we’ll be in the Cape and Islands League (C&I). We’ve played a lot of the teams in the C&I league before, but it will also be exciting to be playing teams you aren’t familiar with,” she said.
The Vineyarders will be led by seniors captains Lily Pigott and Audrey McCarron, and by junior captain Addy Hayman; possibly a second junior captain will be named. Final rosters will be set next week.
“We have a new goalie this year in sophomore Evanna Quinn. Evanna was our JV goalie last year, and loves playing the position,” Moor said.
Moore has a bunch of players with great upside. “Addy Hayman has been playing all year, and she is a leader on offense and defense. Abby Marchand is a terrific athlete in her second year playing the game. She understands the game, and it’s fun to see her refining her skills. And Sally Caron knows how to play the game. Sally has a great motor, she never stops and has a bright and competitive personality that lifts a team. Skylar Harthcock is a sophomore with skills to watch, ” Moore said.
“We have a bunch of freshmen coming in. They all have skills, so we’ll watch to see who pops out and shines,” Moore said. The season opener is April 3 away, against Bishop Feehan, at 4 pm.
