The Aragon girls lacrosse team stepped onto the field on April 17 looking for their first win of the season against the opposing Carlmont Scots. However, that would not be the case as the Scots eventually topped the Lady Dons 9-7.
How is the environment surrounding high school sports different from that offered by the collegiate level – or in some cases, the professional platform?
From the start, both the Dons and Scots converted on quick goals to set the game at 1-1 in just the opening minutes. Carlmont quickly responded with back-to-back goals to gain their first lead of the game before Aragon junior captain Juliana Stahr tied the game at 3-3.
Trailing 7-5 at halftime, the team was poised to tie the score at eight in the second half, but several missed goals would eventually cost the Lady Dons the win.
On the defensive end, Aragon only allowed two goals in the entire second half — one of their best defensive efforts all season. Led by junior defender Meghan Hilbert, the Lady Dons forced 13 Scot turnovers while only committing eight themselves.
“This was our best game of the season and the offensive teamwork was really strong. Everyone was focused. The defense had to strive to protect the goalie and keep the opponents [from] scoring,” says Hilbert.
In the second year of Aragon lacrosse, the Lady Dons look forward to developing the new sport and establishing a strong culture. Several of the Dons this season have never played the sport, which consequently requires the team to place an emphasis on proper fundamentals and team chemistry.
In addition, despite having many rookies on the team, Olson remainst confident that the Lady Dons can build strong chemistry while incorporating a sound strategy into their game plan. “We’re learning many fundamentals right now while trying to learn strategy as well. This team has great chemistry and we make sure we are bringing the whole team together,” adds Coach Kalyn Olson. “We are fortunate to have a lot of freshmen which will help the program keep building up.”
Sophomore first-year lacrosse player and midfielder Julianna Glafkides shares her experience thus far and comments on the Lady Don’s ability to come together as a cohesive unit, saying, “Everyone has improved so much since the beginning of the season and every game we learn something new and bring that along with lots more intensity to the next one. I don’t think there has to be a drastic separation between new players and experienced ones as long as you are dedicated and put extra time into getting better,” said Glafkides.
“Our goal is to improve as a team as much as possible for the remainder of the season and play confidently with each other,” Hilbert said. “Our communication and team chemistry has improved the most as the season has progressed while we continue to work on our ball handling and not being intimidated by the other teams.”
The Dons (0-6, 0-5 PAL) will look to get their first win in their remaining six games.
Note: The Lady Dons played against Mercy on Wednesday, after the paper was sent to the printers.
