These seven girls' lacrosse teams are turning heads down the stretch

The Nipmuc girls' lacrosse team has been perfect in Mid-Mass play, continuing momentum built after a successful 2023 campaign.

“Last year, our team was able to secure a CMass. championship for the first time and only graduated three seniors, thus carrying over many players this year,” Nipmuc coach Grace Merten said. “We have increased the difficulty of our schedule, adding in a few out of league games, and the increased level of difficulty has really helped grow our program and our ability to perform in competitive games.”

Junior captain Fallon Lozano has taken charge of the Warriors’ attack this year according to Merten, while senior captain Liz Lange also has been a standout for Nipmuc from her midfield position.

“Liz Lange has been one of our most competitive midfielders, helping run our attack and defense simultaneously,” Merten said.

Sophomore attack Jayden Lilburn has also had a breakout season.

“Jayden is a sophomore attacker who's draw controls have helped secure possession of the ball numerous times, hitting over 100 draw controls earlier this season,” Merten said.

“Overall, our program is growing and I foresee this year being huge for our team,” Merten added.

Mid-Mass. powers Nipmuc and Grafton will face each other in their lone regular season matchup in a highly anticipated contest at Grafton on Thursday.

Grafton thrives on tough competition

Grafton entered the 2024 season knowing it would be a challenging season according to coach Karl Moisan.

“The game schedule would be more demanding than years past,” Moisan explained.

That challenging schedule was in full effect last Saturday when Ashland upended the Gators, 16-6, to end Grafton’s five-game winning streak.

Despite those new challenges, the defending Mid-Mass. champions are in a position to defend their title, posting a 5-0 league record.

Senior Caity Tyldesley continues to be the team’s top performer and has over 500 points in her illustrious career.  Junior attack Josie Hamilton and junior middie Abby Scanlon have also been big contributors. Hamilton has over 100 goals in her career.

“(That trio) has become part of a three-punch offense, giving the team balanced scoring,” Moisan said.

Freshman middie Payton Morrison has impressed the coaches in just her first season as a Gator.

Junior goalie Leah Harding has also emerged, while senior defenders Kailyn Law and Izzy Galullo have anchored a very solid defense.

Moisan earned his 100th win in April after the Gators beat Shrewsbury, 19-10.

Marlborough turning it around

After splitting their first two contests of the season, the Marlborough girls' lacrosse team endured a six-game losing streak, but since that point the Panthers have found their footing according to coach Amy Wayman.

“We had a slow start to our season but we are starting to pick up pace in the back half,” Wayman said.  “We have a very young team and they are getting better and better each day.”

Ellizabeth Johnson and Ella Hobin have been big reasons why the Panthers have been able to find more success of late.

“Elizabeth attacks the net with such intensity and is a great ball handler while Ella has been dominant on the draw and is our leading scorer this year with 40 goals already this season,” Wayman said.

A key part of building camaraderie for Wayman’s young team has been the implementation of the “Game Day Chain.”

“After every game we give out a "Game Day Chain" necklace to the player of the game,” Wayman said. “The girls really love it and are motivated to do their best every game.”

Wachusett finishing strong

The Wachusett girls' lacrosse team are on top of the highly competitive Mid-Wach A and come down the home stretch of the season hot, riding a five-game winning streak into their matchup against Nashoba Regional next Monday.

“I am very proud of how well the team is vibing and playing on and off the field,” Wachusett coach Jill Fiske said.  “They show up and work hard every day.”

That positive vibe is due in part to members of the team playing with each other since they were young.

“Riliegh Leary, Meaghan Jones and Kaitlyn Head have been playing together since youth, so it’s great to see them have such a great start to their final season here at the high school level,” Fiske said.

Alison Jones and Emily Hazen anchor the defense for a Wachusett team currently ranked #24 in the most recent MIAA Division 1 girls’ lacrosse Power Rankings.

Fiske also pointed out her team is strong academically, as well as successful away from the lacrosse field.

“Eloise White recently just took home second place in an art competition,” Fiske said.

North Middlesex streaking down the stretch

After earning just one win in seven games to open the season, North Middlesex has found their game of late, including stringing three consecutive wins over Tyngsborough, Bromfield, and Oakmont.

“We are finding our rhythm the last couple weeks,” North Middlesex coach Kelly Marciano said.  “We are improving every day.”

“We get great leadership and support from our seniors for our younger players which helps to create a competitive culture,” Marciano added.

Bella Young leads the Patriots in scoring and has been an incredibly consistent performer according to Marciano.

Faith Mazza and a pair of freshmen, Sarah Swartz and Meredith Southard Pantano are also strong contributors who have become comfortable playing together.

“Shannon Nadeau and Ashley Smith lead the way defensively with their aggressive play and smart decisions,” Marciano said.

“We have become a much stronger passing team and are consistently connecting well in transition,” Marciano added.  “That's been key for us.”

Season coming into focus for Lunenburg girls

Lunenburg coach Larissa Brooks said her team has come a long way from the start of the season.

“The beginning of the season we were a bit divided and played more individually,” Brooks said. “Now we fully play as a team and have way more assists, communication, and selfless play.”

Seniors Erin Peplowski and Savannah Diallo have led the Blue Knights offensive charge while fellow seniors Emma Kibbe and Gabby Staffiere hold down the midfield.

“Senior Grace Sweet and junior Rachel Dionne are locked in at defense,” Brooks said.  “And sophomore Charlotte Caiozzo is unstoppable in goal.  When all these girls work together, they are a fine oiled machine and get the team hyped and excited to play.”

After each game, the team awards the “Little Stuffed Knight” for the player who earns the MVP for that game.

“Whoever got it the last game picks the next one for the next game and so on,” Brooks said.  “What is great about this is the girls see past just the top scorers.  They are able to see that MVP status is not just about being the best player on the team but about laying everything out there on the field.”

Future bright for young Bromfield girls' team

Bromfield is a team going through a rebuilding process, with only three seniors and one junior on the roster. Bromfield coach Ali Wicks said her team is beginning to put things together, which bodes well for the future.

“I am excited for the second half of the season as we are becoming much stronger as a team at both ends of the field,” Wicks said.

Seniors Kristin Podgorni, Cavanna Aldrich and Savannah Kuliesis as well as sophomore Hanna Wicks are all having standout seasons.

“Having sophomore Hanna step up on the offensive end is hugely important as we are losing three strong seniors,” Ali Wicks added.

Defenders Clara Ames, Joana Juilano, and Phoebe Cole have all made a big impact on the back end.

—Contact Chris Kyne at sports@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ChrisKyneTG.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Keep an eye on these seven sensational girls' lacrosse teams down the stretch