Who figures to enter this spring as the girls lacrosse team to beat?
“Fallston and C. Milton Wright will continue to lead the pack,” one coach said. Another called them, “the two everyone wants to beat.” Later using phrasing about keeping those matchups competitive says plenty.
The reigning state finalist Cougars and state semifinalist Mustangs may keep county foes up at night surmising game plans, but the two top dogs enter with different internal expectations.
For Fallston, Maddie Palko’s group returns several starters and boasts 14 seniors including midfielder Anna Miller, who missed the entirety of her junior campaign because of injury. Miller was an All-Aegis first team selection the year prior.
C. Milton Wright doesn’t have the same ‘run it back’ luxury. Faye Brust will rely on the returning tandem of Maryland commit Shelby Sullivan and Temple commit Winslow DiPeso while seeking to rebuild from a graduating midfield. But Brust made no reservations. She’s eager to hit the ground running with this “well-rounded” group.
Here’s a look around the area.
Aberdeen
Coach: Bridgette Morrissey, second season
Last year: 7- 6, regional quarterfinalist
Top returners: Senior Jenna Stevens (M), junior Amanda Wang (D) and sophomore Ellie Beinkampen (G).
Newcomer to watch: Freshman Alexis Gasiorowski (D/M).
Coach’s outlook: “Last year, our team worked incredibly hard to turn around the program. We went from winning against only one team in 2022 to winning against seven teams in 2023. This year, our team has been working hard and has a ton of potential to continue improving our winning record.”
Bel Air
Coach: Kristen Barry, 10th season
Last year: 8-9, regional finalist
Top returners: Seniors Ashley Yingling (M) and Sophia Harrison (D); juniors Paige Feick (M), Riley Manzo (M) and Darby Doehring (M).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Delaney Burrows (A) and freshman Eve Krout (M).
Coach’s outlook: “We have a mix of returning players and newcomers. We return most of our midfield starters and are getting a few players back from injury that missed the 2023 season. We are excited to work hard, compete against the top teams in the county and cultivate a positive team culture. This team could be a dark horse in the playoffs.”
C Milton Wright
Coach: Faye Brust, seventh season
Last year: 11-5, Class 2A state semifinalist
Top returners: Seniors Shelby Sullivan (A/M) and Winslow DiPeso (D); juniors Emma Jankowiak (A) and Sam Wolfkill (A).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Kenzi Milich (M); freshmen Jill Hatfield (M) and Reese Rizzi (A).
Coach’s outlook: “This year we are rebuilding our midfield as all from the 2023 season graduated. I am excited to see girls trying new positions and building throughout the preseason. We will have a well-rounded team and the girls are working hard to get where they want to be. I expect to see a lot of them stepping up into leadership roles. We have an amazing group of girls that I am thrilled to work with.”
Edgewood
Coach: Mackenzie Souder, third season
Top returners: Junior Mozella Robinson (M); sophomores Mo Rohner (D), Pyper Crothers (G) and Mallory Hax (M).
Newcomer to watch: Emmerson Whittington (D).
Coach’s outlook: “We have many first-time players as well as some experienced players, who all work very well together during practice. Sure it can be challenging, but with the right mindset I see a great season ahead of us.”
Fallston
Coach: Maddie Palko, sixth season
Last year: 15-4, Class 1A state finalist
Top returners: Seniors Ava Lambros (A), Ayla Galloway (M), Cameron Rohner (G), Erin-Kate Roeder (G), Anna Miller (M) and Delaney O’Mailey (A); junior Sydney Grafton (A).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Abby Howes (D); freshman Marisa Dixon (D) and Payton Wheeler (M).
Coach’s outlook: “This team has a lot of talent and potential. We are very fortunate to have several returners back and also have some key players back from their injuries. We’re really focused on improving every day and being the best version of ourselves, not only individually but also collectively, as we can. We’re really excited to see what these girls can accomplish and we’re ready to start grinding to make it happen.”
Harford Tech
Coach: Katie Freeman, sixth season
Last year: 7-7, regional finalists
Top returners: Seniors Jordan Strang (M), Samantha Bianchi (D), Cece Kearney (D) and Sarah Hunt (D); juniors Lauren Kunes (M), Nina Humpf (A) and Annika Devos (G); and sophomore Sadie Atkinson (A).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Caroline Korczak (M); freshmen Natalie McGraw (M/A) and Lauryn Meisel (D).
Coach’s outlook: “We will rely on the strength of our returning starters as well as some new players that we’ve added to this year’s team. Our goal is always to be competitive in every game we play, improve upon last year’s results, and hopefully compete for a Regional Championship.”
Havre de Grace
Coach: Mel Rimel-Holloway, seventh season
Last year: 5-8
Top returners: Senior Kayleigh Bolen; juniors Addyson Osborn, Natalie Burton and Elle Gasdia; and sophomores Sophie Molyneux and Sophia Holloway.
Coaches outlook: “The Havre de Grace Warriors have a well rounded and very talented group of individuals. Each bringing their own personal dynamics and skills to the team. Win or lose, we are looking at promoting a positive experience with strong relationships, focusing on skills, and a sense of belonging.”
John Carroll
Coach: Laura Seifert, second season
Last season: 5-9 conference; 8-10 overall
Top returners: Seniors Natalie Kelly (M), Lydia Ward (M) and Julia Ward (G); and junior Grace Marchetti (M).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Izzy Dobrzykowski (D/M).
Coach’s outlook: “With the core group of returning Seniors and Juniors and some new young talent, we are looking forward to continuing our progress from last year. We are looking to build the past year’s foundation and grow not only individual’s talent and tactics, but the total team’s mentality and success. We’re looking forward to having our leaders back on the field to step up and push our young talent.”
North Harford
Coach: Haley Ford and Stacey Sewell, first season
Last year: 7-7
Top returners: Seniors Kayla Doll (D), Caitlyn Travagline (D) and Caroline Nicholson (M); junior Reagan Cadden (D); sophomore Peyton Dawson (G).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Alyza Robinson (D) and freshman Emily Wilson (A)
Coach’s outlook: “Stacey and I are really excited to be a part of the North Harford women’s lacrosse program this season. It is a program that has a winning history, and we can’t wait to watch our girls bring North Harford back into the mix of things. We have a great group of girls this season with a lot of talent, and a willingness to get better every day. It is going to be an exciting year for North Harford Women’s Lacrosse.
Patterson Mill
Coach: Rob Persing, third season
Last year: 9-5
Top returners: Seniors Ava Lopano (M), Addison Harmel (M), Hannah Persing (A/D), Oliva Brown (D), Hannah Kries (A) and Caleigh Hall (D); juniors Peyton Chase (D/M), Maddie Tunney (A) and Gabriella Eraso (D/M); sophomores Sam Chittum (A), Rylie Madsen (A) and Riley Crane (A).
Coach’s outlook: “Looking to improve on last year’s record and make a run at States!”
Perryville
Coach: Mary Dunman, 13th season
Last year: 8-3, state quarterfinalist
Top returners: Seniors Samantha Peterson (G), Krizzia Belgira (D), Emma Emory (D), Melina Christofano (D), Ella Schwacke (M), Sarah Murrell (M), Rileigh Manthei (A) and Sage Cole (A).
Coach’s outlook: “Our coaching staff and players are ready to compete in the Chesapeake Division. Our focus is to play our best, work on our weaknesses and simply make it to the State Game. We know playing the upper level teams are going to help us work on what we need. We know we will have competitive games in our County play as well. Which will make for a season of growth.”
