March 29, 2024 – Story by Ava DiCecca, photos by Joshua Ross
Girls lacrosse is back in action and ready to defend their Patriot League title this year in division two. They are coming in with very strong leadership from their returning juniors and seniors and adding some underclassmen who are bringing a whole new dynamic and level of enthusiasm. This season the team is looking to remain consistent through an entirely new schedule by focusing on what they can control against these new opponents.
The team now consists of thirteen returning players and ten new underclassmen, all of which are talented and excited to start the season. Having graduated two key defensemen, this year they will be focusing on getting better defensively and they have two captains, Reese Pompeo and Chase Boles, who will be leading that charge and commanding the defense this year. On the offensive end, they are aiming to get more versatile on attack and with the great speed and chemistry they have this year, this should not be too much of a challenge.
Some key players in the eyes of Head Coach Carla Farkes will be senior captain Madeline Packard who she called a “fiery leader,” captain Lily Samoska who is unmatched in goal, and senior captains Reese Pompeo and Chase Boles on defense who she expects to “lead on that side of the ball.” Finally, she mentioned Grace Maroney who was injured last season but is expected to come back with a big year and Caroline Connolly who has been a dependable and solid player.
Farkes also discussed the faith she has in her captains abilities to lead the team this year: “they are all very different and I think they balance eachother out. They lead vocally and by example and I am looking for them to continue to lead in their own unique ways.” She complimented their top notch work ethic and devotion to the program that makes everyone follow suit.
Madeline Packard and Reese Pompeo gave some of their thoughts on the upcoming season as well, many of their ideas, excitements, and goals aligning. Packard stated that this year will be a big building season and an adjustment but thinks there is going to be good chemistry and a great group of girls that will make it a strong season for them nonetheless. She stated, “I think we have a lot of talent and I think our communication, teamwork, and our team in general is a very tight-knit group so I think that bond we all have will make the season even better.” Pompeo also spoke to the amazing group of girls and how excited that makes her for the season: “we have a lot of potential and a good group of girls which I’m excited for. It’s going to be fun during practices and games on top of the hard work that each girl is going to give.” Individually, she is looking to maintain a comfortable environment on the defensive end this year and make sure her teammates have a positive mindset.
They were aligned in their goals as well and both talked about aiming to defend their Patriot League Title as their main motivation and target for the season. They are also both looking to make it as far as possible in the postseason, Packard with her sights specifically on the Final Four. This year in division two, teams will be competitive but very beatable with the hustle and talent on this team. Packard recognizes the talent of these other teams but stated, “if we put the work in this year we can really keep up with them and get to the point we want to be at.” Her coach displayed the same confidence stemming from their positive final run of the season last year: “starting this season off knowing what we are capable of from last year, I think there is just a different level of confidence from the group.”
This year Farkes is expecting her players to compete against every opponent and control what they can control in order to improve and stay composed in game. She put a huge emphasis on learning from losses and continuing to get better as the season progresses and with the “really nice blend” of players this year, we should expect nothing but the results they are aiming for.