The high school lacrosse season is already underway but is poised to pick up speed with the end of spring break at most schools this week.
At Woodstock, the girls seek to repeat as Vermont Division II champions, a year after making their first trip to a title game since 2000 and claiming their first championship since 1997. Abby Kaija returns to key the offense and goaltender Megan Dalton the defense. The Wasps’ boys team reached the Division I semifinals last spring but are rebuilding this season. Midfielder Daniel Robinson is the program’s latest standout.
The Stevens boys, winless the last two seasons, were inexplicably dealt an even tougher schedule this spring. Participation is down about 10 players during the past two seasons, but coach Jed Hart’s relentless optimism and patience keeps the program afloat.
Lebanon’s girls have reached the playoff semifinals twice and the finals once during the past three seasons but graduated 11 seniors and are in rebuilding mode. The good news is the program has swelled to 30 players, allowing a junior varsity squad to be assembled. The Raider boys reached the playoffs for the first time since 2012 last season and will need the attack duo of Nate Damren and Michael Fluery to shine if they’re to get back there for a second consecutive year.
Hartford’s girls continue to rebuild the program’s foundation and are in search of their first victory in three seasons. The boys have plenty of players but need to build and refine their athletes’ lacrosse skills.
Hanover’s girls and boys would both seem to be reloading. The former lost the NHIAA state title game by a goal to Windham last season, while the boys exited in the quarterfinals against powerful Pinkerton. Both squads suffered key offensive losses.
Coach: Ryan Gardner (2).
Last year: 12-6, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division I.
Returnees: Seniors — George Geraghty (A), Tenzin Tashi (D), Tristan Gosselin (D), Kaleb Hunt (D), Nic Johnson (M), Zander Lingelbach-Pierce (G), Kaz Matsuoka (M), Ben Reichert (M/A). Juniors — Jake Acker (M), Griffin Johnson (M), Pat Logan (LSM), Brian Seltzer (M), Joe Warhold (G), John Warhold (D), Reed Winter (M).
Newcomers: Senior — Jonas Weber (M). Juniors — Owen Brooks (M), Gabe Loud (D). Sophomores — Michael Mackall (D/LSM), Brian Pattison (M), Graham Penfield (A), Chuck Reichert (A), Colin Rozzi (M), Mike Staiger (D/LSM), Pete Warhold (M). Freshman — T.J. Beaver (A).
Analysis: Gardner said his defense, led by Gosselin, was “as good as anyone’s in the state,” but that was before defending Vermont Division I champion Champlain Valley shredded it for 14 goals last week. The graduation of Jin Kim (M), Ben Acker (A), Conor Austin (M) and Brendan Forauer (A) and their combined 206 points will sting, and it remains to be seen how Geraghty, who produced 16 goals and 41 assists last season, handles being the focus of opposing defenses. At the other end, goaltending is a substantial question mark for the Marauders. “The key to our season will likely be whether we can win faceoffs and win the transition game,” Gardner said.
Coach: Bill Elberty (8).
Last year: 3-11, lost in first round.
League: Vermont Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Jason Bielecki (D/LSM), Walkker Judd (M), Nate Lemieux (M), Will Mayfield (M), Gavin Shropshire (A/M), Justin Pero (D), Austin Barber (M), Adam Barber (A), Trevor Searles (D). Juniors — Nick Dorain (A), Chris Dorain (G), Matt Lucke (D), Ben Rouillard (M). Sophomore — Adam Parker.
Newcomers: Juniors — Parker Strawbridge (M), Sophomores — Joe Batchelder (A), Patcrich McGlone (M), Andrew Dailey (M), Kody Rhodes(M), Kyle Prior (M), Alex St. Martin (LSM), Justin Bettis (D), Mehdi Orogi (D). Freshmen — Reece Thompson (M), Andrew Knight (M), Jacob Derosier (A), Nick Porter, (LSM) Trevor LeBrecque (M/G), Michael Thompson (G).
Analysis: The Hurricanes continue to attract plenty of prospects from the town’s flourishing youth program but haven’t yet been able to turn that into a winning record, with a combined 18-37 mark the last four years. Perhaps a move down to the newly created Division III will help. Elberty touts his team’s “athleticism, defense, speed, midfield, and increasing experience,” but he also notes it has no returning goaltenders. Bielecki, Lemieux, Judd, Nick Dorain and Parker are players to watch.
Coach: Lochrane Gary (3).
Last year: 6-10, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Ethan Didehbani (M), Cormac Coyle (LSM), Lincoln Balch (M), Jeremy Corbin (M), Joesph Rogers (G), Carter Ten Haken (D). Juniors — Bryan Albright (D/G), Samuel Buckman (D), Nate Damren (A), Benjamin Gerow (D), Jordan Hammond (M), Taylor Williams (M). Sophomore — Michael Fleury (A).
Newcomers: Sophomore — Luke Sandmann (LSM). Freshmen — Nathan Chickering (A), Aaron Damren (A), Jack Sandmann (M).
Analysis: The Raiders reached the playoffs last season for the first time since going 9-5 in 2012 and are 16-45 the last four years. Attackman Ryan Damren and long-stick midfielder Duncan Craig graduated, and defenseman Calvin Hunnewell didn’t come out for his senior season. Hammond is athletic, and Nate Damren and Fleury each had 24 goals last year. The latter, 6-foot-1 and 265 pounds, can either deke or steamroll opponents. Goaltender Rogers is a first-year starter. “We have a significant increase in depth of talent this year,” Gary said.
Coach: Jed Hart (6).
Last year: 0-15, did not make playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Senior — Scott Foisy (LSM/G). Juniors — Logan Bateman (D), Timothy Berry (A), Spencer Morin (M), Dylan Kemp (LSM/D), Chris Lafont (M), Devon Burgess (D), Nick Eagan (A), Max Salls (A). Sophomores — Donovan Putnam (M), Solomon Cormier (A), Alex Devre (A/M), Jason Stone (D), Tess Whitney (G).
Newcomers: Sophomore — Connor Pillsbury (M). Freshman — Isaiah Forrest (D).
Analysis:: No one perseveres like the Cardinals and Hart, who won their first game in more than two years and just their third in the last five on Friday. With 16 players on this year’s roster and only one senior, winning more than a game or two will be difficult. Leading scorer Alex Provencher (six goals) will also be missed on faceoffs, but at least this season Hart has help on the sidelines in the person of former Hartford player and assistant Peter Lynch. Experienced defensemen Bateman and Kemp will get a workout, and LaFont and Morin form a solid midfield duo. Good news: Claremont’s junior high program is up to 25 players.
Coach: Brandon Little (8).
Last year: 9-9, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: Marble Valley, Vermont Division I.
Returnees: Seniors — Jackson Wood (A), Charlie Bollinger (LSM/D), Cole Dalton (D), Austin Waterman (D), Coleman Mckaig (G). Juniors — Jonas Kantola (A), Jack Arthur (A), Daniel Robinson (M), Patrick Bald (M), Andrew Buchan-Groff (D). Sophomore — Cullen McCarthy (M).
Newcomers: Seniors — Jack Luce (M), Gordon MacMaster (M). Junior — Ezra Astbury (M). Sophomores — Griffin Van Niel (M), Patrick Potter (M), Rudy Torrijos (D). Freshman — Caden White (A), Lucas Piconi (A), Ben Marsicovetere (LSM), Micah Schlabach (M).
Analysis: This is a rebuilding year after 12 seniors and seven starters graduated, but the Wasps draw on a tradition-laden youth program and a strong coaching staff that many teams would covet. Graduated are standouts Wynn Falvey (G), Will Gault (D), Justin Forgione (A), Connor McCarthy (M) and Haven Lantz (A). Conner Black (LSM) departed for prep school. Jackson Wood and Robinson should shine this spring, and White and Piconi are touted rookies. MacMaster, at 6-foot-3, has shown early dominance on faceoffs.
Coach: Chris Seibel (4).
Last year: 15-5, lost in the finals.
League: New Hampshire Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Georgina Stern (D). Juniors — Molly Seibel (M), Maddie Lyons (M), Amelia Lubrano (M), Johanna Copeland (M), Sophie Cardenali (D), Annika Cole (D), Mahler Meyerrose (D), Sonthaya Lacy (A). Sophomore — Perrin Milliken.
Newcomers: Sophomores — Maddie Wallace (D), Katlyn Hurd (G), Lyla Stettenheim (D), Isabelle Sangha (M), Cate Wagner (M). Freshmen — Aiden Stone (D), Jasmine Lou (M), Hailey Fahey (A).
Analysis: Hanover has reached the division semifinals and finals twice each under Seibel and last season outscored its opponents by more than 100 goals before losing to Windham in the title game. Lost to graduation is J.J. Daniell and her team-leading 81 points. Sophie Lubrano and Christine Croitoru combined for 134 more but have also moved on to college. Returning, however, is Molly Seibel, who had 76 points, and Lyons, who had 38. Goaltender Kiely Smiga-McManus transferred to Rice High School in South Burlington, Vt. All in all, the Marauders need to reload.
Coach: Jen Wheatley (2).
Last year: 0-16.
League: Vermont Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Amanda Locke (M), Morgan Furlong (D), Emily Ruffing (A), Shayla Prior (A), Lilly Duda (D), Victoria Stevenson (G). Junior — Jaden Sanborn (G). Sophomores — Michaela Ricker (M), Morgan Pero (A), Havailah Arnold (D/M), Allie Bartlett (D/M).
Newcomers: Juniors — Avery Centeno (M), Kaylee Williams (D). Sophomores — Madison Druge (M). Freshmen — Emily Ricker (A), Bella Lukowitz (A), Caitlin Gaudet (M), Alice Dwyer (M), Emma Libbey (D), Ronnie Bryan (A), Jasmine Wilson (A).
Analysis: Hartford is a combined 0-30 the past two seasons and 7-94 the past seven seasons, but it brings back its coach for just the second time during that latter span. Participation has almost doubled this season. Wheatley touts Locke, Furlong, Dwyer and Gaudet and the program’s separation from the Marble Valley League. As an independent program, the Hurricanes are free to play more teams at their level.
Coach: Sara Ecker (22).
Last year: 11-5, lost in semifinals.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Elle Brine (M), Caroline Wren (A), Brenna Peterson (D), Kendra MacDonald (A/M), Izzy Walker (A).
Newcomers: Seniors — Katie Laramie (D), Mary Grace Sedero (D), Brooke Falzarano (A). Junior — Lily Hier (D). Sophomores — Elizabeth Jones (G), Cecilia Webber (M), Lexi Roberts (D). Freshmen — Ashlyn Taber (A/M), Katie Berthsavage (M), Emma Hansen (A/M), Clara Cole (A/M), Anna Wolke (D).
Analysis: “We are completely rebuilding this year,” Ecker said. “It’s hard to imagine the team without the 11 seniors from last year but, at the same time, teaching so many new players has been a joy so far.” Brine is the top returning scorer, with 42 points last season. A field hockey and ice hockey standout, she’s driven, determined and a leader. Lebanon has reached the semifinals twice and the final once during the past three years. It’s a combined 42-21 during the last four seasons.
Coach: Amanda Soule (2).
Last year: 14-4, state champions.
Leagues: Marble Valley League, Vermont Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Megan Dalton (G), Abby Kaija (M), Lauren Kaija (M), Kallan Piconi (M), Grace Vosburgh (A), Nikki Sweeny (A), Anna Tracey (D), Carly Langan (D). Juniors — Lily Doton (M), Rosalie Geiger (M), Lily D’Anna (M), Miranda Johnson (A), Hannah Milstone (A), Erika Gebhardt (A).
Newcomer: Sophomore — Annabelle Lessard (D).
Analysis: The Wasps look primed for a repeat, having lost only two starters to graduation, although one was Clancy Farrand, who produced 62 points. Still, Lauren Kaija posted a team-high 94 points last spring and Vosburgh had 38. Goaltender Megan Dalton was key to Woodstock holding 10 opponents to 10 or fewer goals in a game last spring. “We want to start our season where we left off last year. We have incredible momentum coming into this season, but we are going to focus on our fundamentals and fitness,” Soule said.
Tris Wykes can be reached at twykes@vnews.com or 603-727-3227.