Game action for the Upper Valley high school lacrosse season kicks off in earnest this week and the region’s best title chances appear to reside at Hartford High. The Hurricanes boys and girls teams each reached the Vermont Division II semifinals last season, the boys for the fifth consecutive year and the girls for the fourth consecutive campaign.
At Hanover, one of New Hampshire’s original public-school hot spots for the sport, the Bears are retooling on the boys and girls sides. Hanover’s boys team hopes to overcome smaller numbers than in past years to make its mark during its second NHIAA Division II season after previously being a Division I member. The girls appear to be a potential playoff threat under third-year coach and former Middlebury College All-American Sarah Martin.
At Woodstock, the Wasps are rebuilding on the girls side with an interim coach, while the boys look to continue slaying giants with continued playoff success despite being the smallest school in Vermont Division I. Lebanon’s girls return an experienced core, but can the Raiders play strong enough defense in front of a rookie goaltender? The school’s boys team is out to prove last season’s run to the NHIAA Division III semifinals wasn’t a fluke.
Optimism somehow lives on at Stevens, long the cellar dweller of New Hampshire boys lacrosse. The Cardinals haven’t won a game since 2016 while enduring a revolving door at the coach’s position.
Coach: Ryan Gardner (8).
Last year: 6-7, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Luka Cantone (G), Will Ciardelli (M), Ethan Derksen (D), Roan Downard (D), D.H. Hendrick (M), Seamus Murphy (D), Mitchell Rowley (M). Juniors — Jack Gardner (M), Brendan Logan (M). Sophomores — George Dominiak (D), Devon Pleger (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Max Galbraith (G); Marco Rodriguez (M). Juniors — Cam Bonner (D), Brendan Kwaku (A), Jack Lawson (M). Sophomores — Teo Trimble (M); Jack Wilkinson (M). Freshmen — Henry Cotter (G); Sam McDonnell (A).
Analysis: Hanover graduated its top three scorers in Noah Fahey (34 points), Brett Simmons (27 points), and Jack Badams (25 points), senior defensemen Noah Bradley and Teddy Ruth, and goaltender Danny Pitiger. This year’s offense is expected to be provided by senior midfielder D.H. Hendrick, whom Gardner says is as good as any player in Division II, and junior midfielder Brendan Logan. Defensively, seniors Ethan Derksen and Roan Downard saw significant time last year. “We have a relatively small roster this year, so depth will be an issue, but I really like our athleticism, speed, and attitude thus far,” Gardner said.
Coach: Grant Whiteway (4)
Last year: 12-5, lost in semifinals.
League: Vermont Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Aidan Boonyaharn (A), Matt Derosier, Alex Mason, Christopher Pierce, Tarin Prior (G), Simon Spaulding, Gordon Willey. Juniors — Connor Tierney, Joseph Barwood, James McReynolds. Sophomores — Evan Lynds, Ezra Mock, Brady Olmstead, Brayden Trombly.
Newcomers: Junior — Austin Guillbault. Sophomores — Jack Moody, Lochlan Park, Bryce Soboleski, Ryan Spaulding, Cole Withington. Freshman — Austin St. Peter.
Analysis: After reaching at least the division semifinals each of the last five seasons, it feels like a matter of time before the Hurricanes capture their first state title. They’re 56-25 during that span. The late Bill Elberty lifted the program significantly during a decade of coaching that began in 2010 and Whiteway, a former NCAA Division I player, has continued that trajectory. Hartford graduated four defensemen last year but brings back standout goaltender Prior and a host of offensive talent.
Coach: Cole Flannery (3)
Last year: 8-9, lost in semifinals.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Griffin Auch (A), C.J. Childs (M), Hunter Grant (M), Ethan Eshbaugh (M), Noah Mekus (M), Colbie Delisle (D), Ethan Lahaye (LSM). Juniors — Cesar Salcedo (A), Griffin Urnezis (A), Alex Blish (M). Sophomores — Danny Keefe (D), Ben Twarog (A), James Barnett (G), Ryan Neu (M).
Newcomers: Junior — Finn Kopp (A). Freshmen — Colin Maher (A), Grayson Avery (LSM).
Analysis: The Raiders, who won only two games during 2020, returned almost all of their roster from 2021 until academic eligibility issues removed three senior starters from the team. Getting Auch back from a broken collarbone suffered during hockey season and keeping him healthy will be crucial, as the senior is key to the offense. Lebanon is 35-98 the last nine seasons and hasn’t posted a winning record since 2012.
Coach: Harrison Urda (1)
Last year: 0-7, missed playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors- Hunter Christian (M), Teah Vasquez (A). Sophomores — Landon Norton-Avery (A), Sienna Mann (A/G), Brayden Rostron (D), Ashley Michaud (A/G). Freshman- Barrin St. Sauveur (D), Mason Bernatchy (M), Austin Simineau (M).
Newcomers: Seniors — Colby Reed (LSM), Chris Robison (D), Reeve Wilkinson (M), Anthony LaCaillade (M). Juniors- Atticus Rozzel (D), Kaden Thyne (M), Patrik Fredette (M), Savannah Cole (M). Sophomores — Ethan St. Amant (A), Logan Sanborn (A), Tyler Christian (D). Freshmen — Steven Rheume (D), Connor Premo (A), Oakland Hemingway (D).
Analysis: Urda is the Cardinals’ fourth coach in as many seasons and their fifth in the last six years. The Cardinals have suffered five consecutive winless season and eight such campaigns during the last decade, resulting in a 3-128 record during that time. “I’m extremely excited to have so many newcomers,” said Urda, an assistant last season.
Coach: Brandon Little (14).
Last year: 13-2, lost in the semifinals.
League: Vermont Division I.
Returnees: Seniors — Keaton Piconi (A), Corey White (M), Colby Eaton (M), Evan Kurash (D). Juniors — Griffin Piconi (M/A), Willy Underwood (M), Jacob Roth (M), Owen Cross (D), Izaiah Moses (D), Will Coates (A), Graeme McKeon (A). Sophomores — Sam Hambsch (M), Jaedon Beardsley (M).
Newcomers: Senior — Ryan Rumstein (G). Freshmen — Marc Van der Schoot (M), Caeden Perreault (M), Reid Allegretti (A), Horace Morel (D).
Analysis: Woodstock graduated two capable scorers in David Willis and Parker Kunert, two starting defensemen and its goaltender. The Piconi brothers should provide plenty of offense, however, along with Eaton and White, who’s also one of Vermont’s top faceoff men. Kurash will anchor an inexperienced defense. The Wasps have made four semifinal appearances since 2011, including two during the past three seasons, when they’ve gone a combined 39-9.
Coach: Sarah Martin (3)
Last Year: 8-5, lost in semifinals.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Caroline Adams (M), Lia Naughton (A), Danielle Rudd (D). Juniors — Kali McDonnell (M) Sadie Higgins (M), Reilly Loughman (D), Lauren Elder (A), Mia Madden (M), Emily Perras (A). Sophomores — Maeve Lee (A), Erin Kirkpatrick (D).
Newcomers: Junior: Ashley Cotter (A). Sophomores — Nina Marshall (D), Lexi Feldman (D). Freshman: Eva Bell (A), Nora Bradley (M), Maggie Higgins (M), Charlotte Robinson (G).
Analysis: Hanover’s program has dropped off slightly since the unexplained removal of coach Chris Seibel in 2020. He guided the Bears to the 2016 division title and was 101-48 during his seven seasons. Martin, a former Dartmouth College assistant, is 17-13 with a trip to the quarterfinals and another to the semifinals during her stint with Hanover. This year’s squad will rely on its three seniors, the coach said. “We are athletic, strong and fast,” Martin said.
Coach: Heather Hartford (5)
Last year: 16-2, lost in semifinals.
League: Vermont Division II
Returnees: Seniors — Caroline Hamilton (M), Elliot Rupp (M), Chloe Jensen (A), Makenzie Arnold (G), Abby Vanderpot (M), Nora Knudsen (D), Sophie Howe (A), Sarah Howe (G), Maddie Withingon (D). Juniors — Ella Perreault (D), Sophomore — Addison Caldwell (A).
Newcomers: Seniors — Kaedence Brower (A), Beth Dobrich (M), Autumn Kimball (A), Jenna Jasmin (M), Grace Gardner (A), Elsie Davis (A), Erin Thompson (D). Junior — Shannon Hadlock (D). Freshmen — Audrey Rupp (D).
Analysis: Hartford has reached the semifinals each of the last four seasons and was top-seeded and 30 seconds from last year’s final before surrendering two goals and losing to St. Johnsbury. This season’s Hurricanes are loaded with 16 seniors, so it would appear the time is now for the program’s first state title, although the development of inexperienced goalies Arnold and Howe will factor heavily into that promise. Hartford is 46-23 under its eponymous coach, after going 9-88 during the eight seasons prior to her arrival.
Coach: Sara Ecker (27)
Last year: 12-4, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division III
Returnees: Seniors — Kayla Taber (A), Sydney Zargarola (A), Cassidy Adams (A), Ella Longacre (M), Molly Smith (A), Catherine Cole (M), Amalia Hickey (D), Claire Thibodeau (D), Clara Smyrski (D), Anna Illsley (D). Sophomore — Madison Jewell (M).
Newcomers: Seniors — Paige Fusco (A), Molly Jane Schutzius (A). Juniors — Amanda Brooker (D), Lauren Keefe (D). Sophomore: Aria DeBanico (G). Freshman: Drew Kantor (G).
Analysis: The Raiders have 10 seniors returning, but must replace four-year starting goaltender Lena Nowel. It’s not clear who will do so, but Lebanon must significantly limit opponents’ shots if it hopes to repeat last season’s performance. The program is 38-37 the past five seasons.
Coach: Tammy Myers (1)
Last year: 5-8, lost in quarterfinals.
League: Vermont Division II
Returnees: Seniors — Adi Wilson (D), Hannah Reed (M), Kellan Johannensen (A), Sophie Yates (D). Juniors — Audrey Emery (G), Lily Gubbins (D), Isabel Konijnenberg (M).
Newcomers: Seniors — Hailey Cannon (D), Brighton Martsolf-Tan (A), Abi Masillo (D), Taylor Summarsell (A), Keira Zayas (A). Junior — Emma Allegretti (A), Sophomores — Skye Cully (D), Leah Kuhnert (M), Gracelyn Laperle (M), Claudia Shoemaker (A).
Analysis: The Wasps graduated eight seniors and seventh-year coach Amanda Hull stepped down after last season. Myers describes herself as the interim head coach of a program that’s gone 14-45 since making the state title game in 2017.