By: Lauren Stack ’17
Staples varsity girls’ lacrosse went head to head against Norwalk on April 4 at four o’clock. This was their second game of the season, leading them to a 2-0 record. Both of the teams they beat this year were losses last season. They beat Joel Barlow 17-5 in their season opening game, starting momentum for the team’s future success.
Last year Staples lost to Norwalk 10-7, but in their second game of this season they clinched the victory with an 18-4 win.
“We didn’t play as well as we could have and really wanted revenge on them this year,” Captain Colleen Bannon ’17 said regarding their previous game against Norwalk last year.
Bannon also scored her 100th goal of her career during their game against Norwalk.
“When I scored the final one all my teammates were hugging me and congratulating me on the field. My coach subbed me out right after I scored and all my teammates, managers, and coaches were hugging me and congratulating me,” Bannon said. “My coach actually arranged with the ref before the game to get the game ball for me after the game to write 100 on it for me to keep.”
The girls firmly believe that the dynamic of the team is a crucial factor that relates to their performance and success for the rest of the season.
“Our team spends a lot of time together and we really like each other. We have a really funny group of girls and that makes playing together that much more fun,” Christine Taylor ’18 said.
Last year the team finished with a 9-7 record. This year they are hoping to improve physically and mentally in order to increase their victories.
“We’ve taken lifting and conditioning seriously this season and that has helped us to outlast other teams by a long shot. We also have a deep bench which is great because it keeps everyone on the toes and ready to go in,” Captain Olivia Troy ’17 said.
Abby Najarian ’18 got injured in a scrimmage against Cheshire two days prior to the season opener. She says that although it is difficult to watch from the sideline, she is proud of her teammates’ progress and commitment.
“It was difficult to stand on the sideline while I wanted so badly to be playing with my team. I switched from attack to midfield this year which was a big transition and has helped me to understand and better respect the roles of my teammates,” Najarian said.
In order to secure a better record the team has a set of goals in mind. Each player has their own personal goal that they keep in mind that keeps them motivated.
“My personal goal this season is to be more of a threat on the attack side of the game and I think our team goal is to make both fciacs and states,” Elle Fair ’19 said.