The first half of the season for the varsity girls lacrosse team has been a great success. The team currently has a record of 5-2, with their only losses coming from teams outside of Loudoun County.
The girls lacrosse has worked hard to keep a winning record in the face of a challenging schedule. In one of their most recent games, on April 9, the team defeated Heritage and held the Pride scoreless and came out with a 15-0 win.
“The goal was to challenge these girls early in the season so they’re ready for anything the backend of the season throws at them,” head coach Patrick Hately said. “I’m confident they are moving in the right direction.”
The team is only halfway through their regular season, and they have already scored 75 goals as a team and allowed only 52. Because of this impressive goal differential, the team is ranked 25th in Virginia.
“Seeing these young ladies succeed and be so excited for a goal, a save, or a win, is a really, really good feeling,” Coach Hately said. “Seeing them light up with excitement is so much fun to watch.”
Among the team’s roster of 19, three players are playing their final season of high school lacrosse. One player in particular, midfielder Megan Rotzler, shared her thoughts on beginning her final season.
“[It’s] bittersweet now that I’ve come to the realization that I’m having a lot of my lasts with the team,” Rotzler said.
Rotzler will be playing Division III lacrosse at Christopher Newport University. While Rotzler continues her journey after high school, some players are just starting their Stone Bridge athletic career. Defender Keeley Billings, a freshman on the varsity team, reflected on her first season playing for the school.
“Being on the varsity team as a freshman [so far] has been a great experience,” Billings said. “All [of] the upperclassmen were [very] welcoming and kind to me. It’s been such a great and fun experience, and I love playing for my team.”
With eight games left, the team is optimistic and confident about heading into the postseason because of their promising lineup.
“I hope for us to make it far within the playoffs, which is possible for us,” junior defender Bridget Byrne said. “We work very hard in practice within the concepts of challenging each other, conditioning, and getting consistent reps in. Even if we don’t go far, I think we are a very well-rounded team. All of us are good friends that enjoy the game and want each other to become better, so the sport is enjoyable. This season will definitely be one of my favorites.”
As the Bulldogs grow their team chemistry, Coach Hately has a positive and hopeful outlook for the girls heading into the latter half of the season. Catch the team’s next home game against Faquier on April 25!
“This is a very strong group of girls – physically, mentally, and lacrosse wise,” Coach Hately said. “I’m very proud of their accomplishments so far, and I am confident they will succeed when we head into the postseason.”
