With a 11-7 record as of June 4, members of the girls’ lacrosse team have high hopes going into the CMASS tournament and hope to continue to utilize both communication and dynamic skills.

Captains seniors Lucy Rogers and Caroline Kelly as well as junior captain Ava Wilde reflect positively on their team’s performance and collaboration this past season. They attribute their achievements thus far to the strong bond the team has developed.

Senior captain Lucy Rogers:

Overall, how do you think this season has gone for the team?

“I think overall it’s been pretty good. We’ve definitely grown a lot as a team already and worked hard to get better together.”

What do you think have been some of the team’s strengths this season?

“Overall as a team we like each other and enjoy spending time together, which is definitely positive and really helps us. I think that’s definitely helped on the field with team chemistry. Overall we have a good time together but we’re also nice to each other and if someone makes a mistake we pick each other up.”

What do you think have been some of your personal strengths this season?

“Being a captain has forced me to really work on my leadership skills, so I’ve tried to really be there for all of my teammates. On the field [I’ve worked to] just be someone everyone can count on to score, help win and make some big game plays.” 

How would you describe this year’s team dynamic and how do you think that impacted team perform?

“I think that both as a group and friend-wise we’re cohesive. That has helped us on the field to string passes together, work the ball up the field and communicate with each other so we’re all on the same page and ready to play.”

Has this season differed from past ones?

“It definitely has. When I was a freshman it was mostly upperclassmen on the team and I was the only freshman; this year we have a lot of young players who are still finding their role, seeing where they fit in, learning and growing. I think this has been really good for our team because it motivates the upperclassmen to keep working hard, but then the underclassmen are also motivated by the upperclassmen, so it works really well.”

What have been the greatest struggles for the team this season?

“Probably one of the biggest struggles for the team has been making mid-game adjustments. I think sometimes we can get on a roll with what we like to do and if another team takes one of those options away from us we have trouble making game-time decisions to adjust to what the other team is doing. We definitely have to work on that because it’s definitely cost us a few tight games. Hopefully going into the playoffs we can figure out how to make those mid-game adjustments so we can win the tighter games.”

What does being a captain this season mean to you?

“It means a lot. I’ve been a part of the program for all four years and I’ve seen some great leaders and captains who have helped me. It really means a lot to hopefully be able to help younger players and just lead by example and be a good role model.”

What are your hopes for the team in following seasons?

“I just hope we [the team] can finish strong and make it deep into the playoffs. And if we go out, I hope we go out to a good team, but know we put it all out there and tried our hardest.”

Senior captain Caroline Kelly:

Overall, how do you think this season has gone for the team?

“I think it’s been going great so far and as the season has continued I feel like our team has really connected and improved game by game.”

What do you think have been some of the team’s strengths this season?

“We play best when we really move the ball around and get everyone involved. I think playing fast allows us to score better, which I think we learned to do.”

What do you think have been some of your personal strengths this season?

“Even if I may not be scoring or assisting as much, just doing the little things to help the team, like getting the ball up and down the field, stealing the ball away from the other team or winning the draw, because those are important parts of the game and without winning those it’s hard to get the ball down field and score.”

How would you describe this year’s team dynamic and how do you think that impacted team performance? 

“I think a really big part of team performance is just being connected and knowing where people are going to be. As the season has continued we’re becoming more connected and starting to trust each other more, which is an important piece of being able to play well.” 

Has this season differed from past ones?

“It’s differed a little because of COVID, but we’re starting to get back into the normal swing of things, which is challenging for some because some of the younger kids haven’t really experienced a regular season yet whereas older ones know what to expect. I think it’s great that we are playing a full season and that we’re getting back to normal.”

What have been the greatest struggles for the team this season?

“I think some of our struggles are just when we play some top level teams, being able to compete with them and not get too stressed out and we start playing chaotically. Just trying to calm down and really settle the ball is important, and I feel like it’s something we struggle with while we’re playing a good team. Sometimes just taking a breath really helps us get collected and helps us realize what we need to do to beat them.”

What does being a captain this season mean to you?

“I’m extremely grateful that my teammates have chosen me and given me this leadership position. I want to keep a high standard and be there for them whenever they need the support. I want to be a good role model for them, and that gives me a different perspective.”

What are your hopes for the team in following seasons?

“I hope our team continues to play strong and I hope more people continue playing lacrosse and don’t give up. Our program is becoming smaller and I think it’s important that even though the season may be challenging, every season is a new season with new people, new plays and new opportunities. Every team changes and I hope they can continue to excel.”

Junior captain Ava Wilde:

Overall, how do you think this season has gone for the team?

“It’s been pretty good. We had a couple tough losses but we also had a harder season. We’ve had a good season overall.”

What do you think have been some of the team’s strengths this season?

“We had new goalies this year, [freshman] Sadie O’Connell and [junior] Audrey Richardson, and they both have been doing really well. Since we have such a new team we’ve had to adapt to each other, and our defense and offense have both had to adapt to [playing with each other]. Definitely, our defense has had a few really great games in the past couple of matches we’ve had.”

What do you think have been some of your personal strengths this season?

“Getting adapted to what my teammates can do and also working off my teammates to get the ball in the back of the net.”

How would you describe this year’s team dynamic and how do you think that impacted team performance? 

“We have a really close team this year and we’re all really good friends with each other, so it’s been nice to practice with all of our friends. It feels like fun, not work.”

Has this season differed from past ones?

“Yeah, definitely. Last season was completely different and we had a completely different team. Either way it’s fun, but we just had to adapt to all the new players who came in this year because we had a lot of seniors who graduated last year.”

What have been the greatest struggles for the team this season?

“Our offense had some struggles at the beginning [of the season] just because we weren’t as used to playing with each other. That was probably our biggest struggle, but we’ve gotten better.”

What does being a junior captain this season mean to you?

“It’s a great opportunity. I think I’ve learned a lot. I think it’s helped me and is going to help me with my leadership skills.”

What are your hopes for the team in following seasons?

“I definitely hope to win [the CMASS tournament] this year, hopefully get far in the state tournament and hopefully do the same next season.”