Net finders and more: 41 Cape Cod High School girls lacrosse players to watch this spring

The girls lacrosse season is back for another go-around, and the teams will look to follow up one of the best showings the Cape has ever seen.

Eleven teams made the playoffs last season, with more than half (six) making the Sweet 16. Nantucket and Sandwich made it the furthest to the Elite Eight.

That success is now in the rearview mirror and it's time to focus on the road ahead. Here are some players who will help their respective teams look to have a successful season In 2024.

Alyssa McEneaney, Barnstable

The senior captain will be one of the attackers for the Red Hawks this season.

"She is a natural athlete and leader," Barnstable head coach Tara Palermo said. "She runs hard and fast when going to the net and finishes with a strong shot. She also has the ability to set up her teammates to score, and always gives 100%."

Carly Steenstra, Barnstable

Captain Steenstra will play midfield in her senior season.

"Carly is a strong player all over the field," Palermo said. "She has good ball placement when shooting, and can read the offense really well when playing defense."

Cassidy Bonzagni, Bourne

Bonzagni is a returning starter and will play defense in her last high school season.

"Cassidy plays excellent defense, and will lead our defense to offense transition," Bourne head coach Mike Massmann said.

Janice Bouchard, Bourne

Bouchard will play midfield for Bourne in her junior campaign after playing attack previously.

"Janice scoring ability makes her a constant threat on offense," Massmann said. "Janice is the leading scorer among returning players."

Sophia Sheehy, Bourne

Sheehy is a four-year player, and three-year starter, who will be on defense in her senior season.

"Sophia has good field vision and is a strong on ball defender," Massmann said. "She will lead our defense this season."

Ella Bartolomei, Cape Cod Academy

The senior attacker will showcase her skills for Stonehill (D1), where she will continue her lacrosse career after graduation.

"Ella has been a consistent force for CCA over the years," Cape Cod Academy head coach Andrea McKnight said.

Flynn Kayajan, Cape Cod Academy

The senior will play alongside sophomore Emma Davis in net as goalie for the Seahawks.

"These two athletes should dominate in net this season," McKnight said "Though different in style, each is strong in net and will make any attack player have to work for a goal."

Olivia Powers, Cape Cod Academy

The junior will be one of the offensive pieces on attack this season.

"Liv should be a critical part of the attack this season. She can feed, drive and shoot," McKnight said.

Carolyn O’Keefe, Dennis-Yarmouth

The sophomore will play in midfield for the Dolphins this season.

"Carolyn is speedy, athletic and has an intense drive for the ball, everything you want in a midfielder," D-Y head coach Hanna Peper said. 'She is fun to watch, and it’s hard to believe she only has one season of lacrosse under her belt. I’m excited to watch her skill grow over the next few years."

Jordan DiPietro, Falmouth

DiPietro will play in midfield for her junior season.

"DiPietro will be a force at both ends of the field this year," Falmouth head coach Robert Murray said. "With a high IQ, great vision and tenacious defensive play, she will be a player to watch this year."

Isabella "Bella" Hawkins, Falmouth

The senior will be an offensive player at attack for the Clippers.

"The sharpshooter is back for her last hurrah," Murray said. "With smooth hands and a heavy shot, she will be a top player on the Cape and Islands this season."

Jane Hostetter, Falmouth

Senior Hostetter will be alongside Hawkins as an attacker for the Clippers.

"Hostetter can do it all," Murray said. "Whether it is scoring goals or playing lockdown defense, the senior is ready to make some noise for the Clippers this season."

Susanna Lowell, Falmouth Academy

Lowell will be at midfield for her junior campaign for the Mariners.

"Susanna leads by example," Falmouth Academy head coach Sarah Knowles said. "She is one of the fastest players on the team and can beat anyone to a loose ball. She has strong defensive skills and will keep any attacker from charging into the 8M."

Faye McGuire, Falmouth Academy

McGuire led the Mariners in goals (22) last season with 22 as a freshman. The midfielder will look to continue that in her sophomore season.

"As a midfielder, Faye sets the pace of the game with her speed and determination," Knowles said. "She is fast on her feet, and has an even faster shot."

Willow Wakefield, Falmouth Academy

Wakefield had 130 saves last season as a freshman goalie, which included a career-high 18 against Sturgis West. Her sophomore season will be just her second year playing lacrosse.

"She provides strong defensive leadership and we are excited to see what she accomplishes this upcoming season," Wakefield said.

Ali Dyke, Martha's Vineyard

Dyke is a senior who will be a key piece to the success of the Vineyarders this season.

"Last season, Ali was a leader on attack," Martha's Vineyard head coach Lauren Pineau said. "She is great at finding holes on the defense and moving to make an assist, or be available for a quick pass, than a shot on goal."

Charlotte Scott, Martha's Vineyard

Scott will be a junior who is key for the Vineyarders on offense and defense.

"Charlotte is an excellent ball carrier, and is smooth and accurate with both her right and left hand," Pineau said. "She has strong defensive skills and you can trust her to sink a shot in the back of the net."

Samantha Warren, Martha's Vineyard

Warren will be one of the leaders on defense for her senior season.

"Sam is a very skilled player and is a great ball handler, but Sam’s biggest asset to the team is her strong defensive skills," Pineau said. "Sam is a very determined player, and she will be a key player when defending fast breaks and drives down the field."

Ciara Hendricks, Mashpee

Hendricks is one of three sophomore captains for the Falcons and will play at attack in the midfield. Mashpee head coach Samantha Ziehl called her a "fast, smart, and aggressive player."

Skyler Hickey, Mashpee

Hickey is another sophomore captain who will be in the midfield for the Falcons. Ziehl called her a "smart, and aggressive player."

Sophia Morin, Mashpee

Morin is the third sophomore captain and midfielder on this list for the Falcons. Ziehl said she is a "fast and smart player."

Victoria Letendre, Monomoy

The senior will be in net as the goalie for the Sharks.

"Vic was a driving force on our defense last year and came up with huge saves in important moments," Monomoy head coach Brendan Pursel said. "She was a large part of our success, and she is excited to start her final season at Monomoy."

Karah Deveau, Monomoy

The senior captain will lead the Sharks from the midfield position.

"Karah has done a great job making sure that the team is ready for the spring," Pursel said. "She will resume her role as a leader on both sides of the ball and help continue the success of Monomoy lacrosse. She is also excited and ready to lead the team during her last season at Monomoy."

Bailey Lower, Nantucket

The senior is one of the best players on Cape and will be the leader for the Whalers this season. She scored eight goals and had two assists in their first game of the season on Thursday.

"Bailey's stick skills and speed make her a fun player to watch," Nantucket head coach Jami Lower said. "Her passion and love for the game is unparalleled."

Mayson Lower, Nantucket

The junior is another key piece to the offense for the Whalers. She scored three goals in the opening game for the Whalers on Thursday.

"Mayson's drive and work ethic makes her one of the team's top players," Coach Lower said. "She always gives 100% and plays until the last whistle. You can often see Mayson jogging back to the circle after a goal scored by either team."

Emerson Pekarcik, Nantucket

The senior is another piece of a high-scoring Whalers offense. She finished with five goals and a helper in the first game of the season.

"Emerson's speed and ability to dodge and drive to the net is one of her many strengths," Coach Lower said. "She is a dedicated player who plays for the love of the game."

Gabby Foster, Nauset

Foster is the defensive senior captain, and a four-year varsity starter for the Warriors.

"She is the lead defender, and shuts it down on defense," Nauset head coach Heather Stevens said.

Julia Kipperman, Nauset

Kipperman is a three-year varsity starter, was the top scorer, and will play in midfield her sophomore season. Stevens said she has good movement and field sense.

Sienna Reeves, Nauset

The senior captain and four-year varsity starter is another leading scorer, and Stevens said is "a physical athlete to contend against."

Mia Curley, St. John Paul II

The sophomore will play at attack for the Lions.

"Mia has great speed, a very accurate shot, and is incredibly elusive to the other team's defenders" JPII head coach Russell Tierney said.

Meah Dalrymple, St. John Paul II

The junior captain will be one of the key contributors on defense for the Lions.

"Meah is a very proven leader. Her speed and hand-eye coordination are her greatest strengths," Tierney said.

Sophie Philbrick, St. John Paul II

The sophomore will play in midfield and attack for the Lions.

"Sophie is one of our leading scorers from last year and also shares the draw duties for our team. She has a great shot with pinpoint accuracy," Tierney said.

Quinn Anderson, Sandwich

Anderson is only an eighth grader, but she will be a key player at midfield and attack for the Lady Knights. She scored 41 goals (second highest on team) as a seventh grader last season.

"Quinn was a great addition to our team last year," Sandwich head coach Kelsy Beaton said. "Quinn is also dominant on draws, so she will be playing a little midfield for us as well. I fully expect her to be an offensive leader this year."

Avery Cobban, Sandwich

The junior will play at attack and midfield this season for Sandwich. Cobban had 30 goals and 15 assists last season.

"Avery is a very versatile player," Beaton said. "She is a very smart athlete with a calming presence on offense, and will hopefully provide a big part of our team's scoring, along with a lot of leadership on the field."

Kolbie Darmon, Sandwich

Darmon is a junior who will play at midfield and on defense as well.

"Kolbie can play both offense and defense equally well," Beaton said. "Last year, Kolbie started in a more defensive role and this year she will play more midfield to showcase her offensive skills. She is a very strong, fast and athletic player."

Kiera Harney, Sturgis East

Harney is a sophomore midfielder and attacker for the Storm.

"Kiera demonstrates great athletic ability and also shows a quiet graceful leadership quality," Sturgis East head coach Kevin Oakley said.

Mariya Marais, Sturgis East

Marais is a sophomore defender and midfielder for the Storm.

"Mariya is the spark of this team and her energy level is contagious, and she leads by example," Oakley said.

Noriann Wray, Sturgis East

Wray will play as a midfielder and attacker in her junior campaign for the Storm.

"Norian has all the qualities of a great lacrosse player and displays unequalled leadership qualities as well," Oakley said.

Alaina Hines, Upper Cape

The senior will enter her third and final season for the Rams at midfield.

Her athleticism is unmatched," Upper Cape head coach Alaina Greene said. "In one season, she went from fresh(man) and inexperienced to one of our leading scorers. Her strength, speed and drive will be a dominating force for us this year."

Ariana Pearson, Upper Cape

Pearson will play at defense and minefield for her senior season.

"Ariana has grown into her role as an anchor for us defensively," Greene said. "Her speed and insurance are important weapons in the backfield, and I look forward to seeing her contributions and further evolution this spring."

Adryanna Turner, Upper Cape

Turner is a senior captain and center for the Rams, and is the top scorer in program history.

"Adryanna is our returning captain and is among our most well-rounded players," Greene said. "She is crucial as a leader, with her impressive draw control percentage."

Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @CJ_Journalist.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 41 Cape Cod high school girls lacrosse players to watch this spring