The Lakewood Girls Lacrosse team had their first scrimmage on Monday, March 17. It was their first time playing together as a team this year. The varsity team ended with a loss, but it was a great game overall—the junior varsity, which consisted exclusively of new players, also lost.
The team played against Avon Lake, who already had two previous scrimmages this year. These girls strived to play as best as they could against a team who already had experience.
The girls on the team spend countless hours each week to improve their lacrosse skills. This year, there are many new players, so giving them enough time to practice and feel confident in their abilities before the games is important.
The players condition multiple times a week, running laps, ladders, and 300 yards, strengthening their endurance so they don’t run out of energy quickly during actual games. At least once a week, the girls meet at the high school in the weight room with Coach Jimmy to increase their muscular endurance.
In practice, they try out new stick tricks, drills, and everything they need to succeed in a game. To end off practice, they often play a fun game, such as “Birdie on a Perch,” “Night at the Museum,” “Bacon,” and “The Web.” This allows the girls to have fun and connect.
These games also allow girls to communicate, a skill that is vital during games. They have to listen to others on the field, and these quick and silly games at the end enforce it. Talking on the field is important since teammates need to interact with each other effectively.
“These games are very important for [them] to communicate on the field,” Coach Michelle Blauman said.
Not only does it help with communication, but it also helps the girls to create a more comfortable environment within the team, allowing the girls to connect.
“My favorite part of lacrosse is the people,” freshman Amelie McLaughlin said, emphasizing how important it is to create bonds with the other players.
This first scrimmage was a perfect way to start the season, as it was the first time some of these girls had ever played against another team on the field. They used the skills they’d learned in practice to create the best game they could. Although there is always room for improvement, it was a great start.
“I’m learning so far,” freshman Zenovia Parkanzky said. “It’s really new to me.”
The junior varsity team started off weak. Avon Lake scored seven goals within the first half. When the second half rolled in, the Rangers slowed them down, only allowing two balls past the goal.
Avon Lake took many shots, and JV goalie Maya Torres was able to save many. Although a few were able to sneak through, she was still able to defend the goal, winning her “star player” on the junior varsity team.
Even though they started with a loss, it prepared them for what’s to come in the next games. Since they’re all new players, this scrimmage was a great way to introduce them to the sport.
“I think that in future games we will do a lot better and improve after practicing,” Parkanzky said.
Unfortunately, varsity also started this season with a loss, but it was a preparation for the conference games to come.
Their final score was 19-4. Although the score could have been better, their attack was able to push through Avon Lake’s defense multiple times to shoot and score a goal.
These girls will continue practicing multiple times a week to strengthen their abilities. After this scrimmage, everyone knows what they must work on to improve their scores during the next games.
This scrimmage showcased to the girls how they needed to play. It was a learning experience for both JV and Varsity, and it was a start to a great season.
