The girls’ varsity lacrosse team is nearing playoffs, and with a record of eleven wins and five losses, they are looking strong.

At the start of the season, the team struggled to find its rhythm, but after many practices, the players started to improve and build confidence. 

“We had a rough start during the first few games, but after many practices full of teamwork and hard work, we changed the outcome of the season,” said senior captain Violet Malinowski. 

One of the biggest moments of the season was beating Peabody for the first time in two years. The game was extremely close and eventually went into overtime, allowing the players to stay calm under pressure and work together to the very end. Another difficult win to achieve was against Marblehead, which was also a tight and physical game. 

The girls also had a huge victory against Winthrop, winning 12-3. Even after giving up the first goal, the team quickly responded by scoring eight goals in a row. Their offense moved the ball well throughout the game, creating many scoring chances. 

“During this game, we had great ball movement and 7 assisted goals, which every coach gets excited about. Kaleigh Lecolste had 4 goals. Violet Malinowski had 2 goals on 2 shots and 3 assists,” said Coach Jalen Aho.

The team’s chemistry this year has been one of the most important aspects of their success. Players spend time bonding over various different team activities.

“I have really loved getting closer with my teammates, whether it’s at pasta parties, practices, or winning our games,” said freshman Kayleigh Lecolst.

Defense has been one of the team’s greatest strengths this season. Their aggressive play has forced many turnovers and has made several important saves throughout the year. Players like Malinowski, sophomores Leah Carson and Alexis Durgan, and junior Tara Thompson have also played a major role on defense.

There were several athletes who stood out this season because of their hard work and leadership. Sophomore Grace Potvin, junior Mia Marques, and freshman Shay Theriault have all made important contributions to the team’s success. Whether scoring goals, making defensive stops, or encouraging teammates, these players have helped the team grow stronger throughout the season.

Even with all of their success, the team knows there is still room for improvement. Communication on defense is something the players continue to work on, especially during close games or when they are a player down. Strong communication can make a huge difference during difficult matchups.

As the playoffs approach, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team is ready for the challenge. After overcoming a rough start and defeating strong opponents, the team has proven that hard work and teamwork can lead to success. With confidence and momentum on their side, the girls hope to continue their strong season and make a deep playoff run. They will play at Newburyport High School stadium on Friday, May 15.