BY JACOB MANTLE

The girls lacrosse team looks to defend their State title this season as they host Mount Notre Dame in their home-opener on Thursday, March 21 at Kusel Stadium.

This season looks considerably different for the Warriors. Senior captain Kate McIntosh said, “We’re missing Kyra and Courtney which were our star players and highest goal scorers, but I think we will be very good.”

Last season the combo of Kyra George and Courtney Robinson scored for a combined 160 goals in 20 games. According to head coach Ferry, the void to be filled comes with opportunity for players to step up. He said he is confident in the experience and mentorship the upperclassmen have this season.

McIntosh sees players like Abbie Lyons, Marley Megowen, Sophie Toman, Kennedy McNeil and Abbie Kapcar stepping up on offense to make up for the losses of George and Robinson. She said, “We are working really hard in practice and our focus is a lot stronger this year. It’s an intense vibe.”

With the new season, players and coaches are hoping the team does not have “championship hangover.”

Junior Charlotte Coates said, “I hope we don’t have championship hangover this year. I think that it’s a very different team this year, so it won’t necessarily be like hangover. Hopefully not, we will see.”

“Everyone is really excited to play this season, so I’m not sure if we will have championship hangover. If we work hard and stay strong as a team I think we can get back to where we were last year,” said senior Frances Harrington.

Ferry added, “Just focusing on getting better, working hard, and being as well prepared as you can be, and being as good of a teammate you can be.”

The Warriors will have their work cut out for them this season. The Head Coach said, “You’re going to have a target on your back so all of the other teams you have scheduled that year will give you their best shot because they know last year you won it all and they want to take a shot at the champs.”

Two notable games this season: at St. Frances DeSales (Columbus) on April 5 and at home versus Indian Hill on April 11.

Harrington said, “Both are going to be tough because they were the two teams we beat last year on our way to the championship.”

“We want to see where we can go and get ready for in terms of the tournament at the end of the season,” said Ferry, “and we want to be playing our best lacrosse then.”