These six local high school girls' lacrosse teams are enjoying solid seasons

Leominster has found their rhythm winning three out of their last four April contests. Blue Devil coach Ken Aubuchon said his team expected some ups and downs and likes how his team has met the early season challenges.

“Tough competition in the new Mid-Wach alignment,” Aubuchon said. “We have a competitive schedule playing teams from the Eastern and Western Mass. that is going to challenge our program.”

More: Check out the Hometeam boys' and girls' lacrosse scoring and goalie leaders for spring 2024

The Blue Devils recently went through a three-game stretch against strong teams in Central Catholic, Weymouth and Minnechaug.

Captains Emma Miller-Ayala, Nina Marchetti and Juliana Pompei have led the way for Leominster.

“All four are four-year varsity players and we are looking to them to provide leadership for the team,” Aubuchon said. “They also have good experience and understand the fundamentals of the game that can help the team succeed in high pressure situations.”

Koch has Groton-Dunstable offense surging

Groton-Dunstable has started fast, posting a 7-4 record to open the season.

“I am very excited about how the season is going,” Crusader coach Carl Koch said. “We had some close games but I am very proud of how my players fought to get the wins this year. If we keep playing tough every game, we can end the season with a winning record and place high in the MIAA tournament.”

Koch said his group on defense has been playing great after installing a new defense this year.

Leading the offense has been Jenna Koch with 36 goals and she has over 300 points in her high school career.  Carly Ehwa has added 15 goals for the Crusaders and is over 100 points for her career. Other contributors include Annabelle Shreve and Hannah Stark. Charlotte Guziejka has been great in goal.

“They have all shown great leadership which has helped set a great culture amongst the team,” Carl Koch said.

AMSA looks strong heading into postseason

AMSA is also off to a fantastic start, winning eight of their first 10 games.

“I am very excited about the AMSA girls’ lacrosse team this season, we have great leadership in our senior group,” said AMSA coach Malissa Labarre.  “There are currently nine seniors, all of who contribute to the success of our team.”

Senior captain Clare Jackson, a midfielder, sets the tone for AMSA.

“She leads the team playing strong in both attack and defense zones,” Labarre said.

Senior Maeve Powers and sophomore Emma O’Malley have also been offensive forces while senior Elena Andersson leads the defense.

Young St. Bernard's squad on the rise

St. Bernard’s split their first 10 games of the season, a positive for a team that is young and on the rise according to coach Beth Terho.

“New season and a brand new team we had to build a whole new defensive plan because we graduated many seniors from last year,” Terho said. “We also have a lot of young talent.”

Taylor Cormier, Lizzie Gardiner, Alexis Sylvia and Evie LeSage are paving the way for the Bernardians.

“Taylor is the girl that gets the three goals you need when you're down by two, Terho said.  “Lizzie sets the pace of the game she jumps in and really puts things in motion.  Alexis as a junior has come out blazing and usually is a force to be reckoned with. She gets the ball and drives to the net and drives hard. Evie takes 90% of our draws and really makes the game and possessions go the direction she wants them to go. She's not afraid to take control herself and bring the ball to the net.

Ashley Kenney was the Bernardian goalie as a freshman, but an injury kept out her entire sophomore year but has returned strong as a junior.

“She has stayed a huge part of our team over the past year and continues to work on her goalie skills as we head through the season,” Terho said.

Terho also said her team is comprised of a number of talented athletes from all sports.

“Many girls on our team are three and some are two-sport athletes,” Terho said. “We have a wealth of athleticism and despite not dedicating 100% of their time to lacrosse, they always find a way to make lacrosse successful for our STB community.”

Balanced attack gives Tantasqua a boost

Tantasqua is making a postseason push at 7-4 and that success has been a complete team effort according to their coach, Heather Egan.

“One of our strengths is a great blend of upperclassmen with lots of experience and younger girls who are learning and contributing right from ninth grade, Egan said. “This mix allows for a great blend of skills and experience and it brings many diverse strengths to our team.”

Senior captain Taylor Sexton is the catalyst for Tantasqua all over the field.

“Taylor works hard all game,” Egan said. “She is a key player on both the offense and defense.  Currently leading our team in goals.”

On defense, senior captain Taylor Winkler is the unquestioned leader.

“She makes great decisions causing many turnovers,” Egan said.

Grace St. Laurent, a middie, is another senior captain.

“Grace is a key player both offensively and defensively but more importantly she is very instrumental in our transitions,” Egan said.

Bright future for Monty Tech girls

Monty Tech is a young team with a lot of potential according to their coach, Bethany Johnson.

“We just need to start connecting dots so to speak,” Johnson said. “A disadvantage of being a vocational school is that our players don't grow up playing lax together like many of the comprehensive schools do.  A lot of our girls start playing as freshmen with no previous experience.”

Despite that lack of experience, the Bulldogs have had some great performers.

Bailey Mulrenan, a midfielder and senior captain, is the top scorer on the team. She provides tremendous leadership and will be attending Wheaton College next year and will play lacrosse.

Senior captain Abby Marks is good at everything according to Johnson.

“Just a reliable player,” Johnson said. “When she's on the field, I feel better.”

Emma Quinn is just a sophomore attack but is a dangerous player.

“Emma has strong skills and good at reading the field and players and creating opportunities for others,” Johnson said.

Junior attack Sara Munroe switched by playing defense the past two years.

“Sara is just an all around great player with great skills, plays with her heart,” said Johnson.

The JV team is being led by new coach, Savannah Caskins. Caskins was a former player for the Bulldogs and has returned to the program this year.

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

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: These six local high school girls' lacrosse teams are enjoying solid seasons