Hopewell Valley girls lacrosse
By: Mike Molaro
After the Hopewell Valley Central High School girls lacrosse squad finished last season at 3-15, the Lady Bulldogs could’ve done one of two things.
They could’ve felt sorry for themselves and blamed the rough times on a lack of a senior class to provide leadership. Or they could’ve made a pact with each other to work hard in the offseason and be ready this year to rock the Colonial Valley Conference.
Fortunately for coach Pam Edwards, HoVal chose the latter path and is eager to atone for last season’s downer.
"We had 20 girls play indoor lacrosse in the offseason," said the second-year head coach. "We are already seeing the results. We are playing better and have good communication on the field. The girls know where everyone is on the field."
Edwards is buoyed by a 6-4 triumph over Northern Burlington in the team’s first scrimmage. The passing was crisp, while defensively the Lady Bulldogs were covering their marks. The overall level of play has improved tremendously from a year ago.
"We have grown by leaps and bounds from the end of last season," Edwards said.
With no losses to gradation, HoVal returns a solid core around which it will build for this season and the future.
Players expected to see key minutes are seniors Maureen Gallagher (defense), Mary Kate Mannix (defender), Jen Conley (defense), Maggie Rarich (midfielder), Amy Palin (midfielder), Dana Burell (midfielder), Nicole Stevens (attack), sophomore Claire Grimwood (attack) and junior goaltender Izzy Huston.
"Even though we have eight seniors on the roster, we are still relatively young," said Edwards. "Our defense is very solid and strong. We need to work on our transition game and getting upfield."
Despite last year’s losing record, the Lady Bulldogs are excited about their chances this season and already have the toughest part of the educational process down pat.
"The girls learned a lot from last year," Edwards said. "They fought all the way through. Regardless of the score, they never stopped working or trying. I give the girls a lot of credit.
"They did everything I asked of them last season."
With the April 1 season opener at home against Ewing eight days away, HoVal has set what Edwards feels are very realistic goals.
"We want to qualify for the state tournament," she said. "We also want to become a dominating force in girls lacrosse. We have a good young group coming in.
"I had to change my goals and outlook after last season. I truly believe we can attain our goals. We have the talent and the work ethic to get there."
Although the Lady Bulldogs are looking to take their program to the next level, they are taking nothing for granted.
"For us to be successful, we have to play hard and play smart," Edwards said. "I want the girls to be hungry this year."
Their appetite for success already has been whetted.