Dukes opened postseason play earlier this week.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The York girls lacrosse team gained some recent momentum during the tail-end of the regular season.
The Dukes were 12-8 winners over a Montini team that was ranked 10th in the state according to www.laxpower.com.
“Montini is one of our biggest rivals,” said York coach Ryan Walz.
York also beat Montini 11-10 earlier in the year.
The Dukes also dropped a 12-10 decision to St. Charles, which was ranked No. 6 in the state at the time.
“We had an early lead of 5-1 but let it slip away late in the game,” said Walz.
Additionally, York was an 18-2 winner over Glenbrook North. Through its first 17 games, York was 6-11 overall.
“We are finally working well together offensively,” said Walz, speaking of the team’s offensive progress. “Half the team is new and it took until about mid-season to learn all the plays and offensive sets.”
Walz also has seen movement forward on the defensive front. “We are doing so much better defensively,” he said. “We stress the importance of using one another to help stop opponents on defense. We are better at reading slides and anticipating and communicating.”
York also has been bolstered by its goaltending. “Our goaltending is solid,” said Walz. “We had a nice win against Glenbrook North and both goalies made big saves and Issy Torres was excellent in our big win over Montini.”
Walz said York has been a work in progress throughout the season and has noticed his squad turning the corner in recent weeks. “We started to click offensively and defensively late in the season,” he said. “Experience is crucial and this is, by far, the most challenging schedule a York girls lacrosse team has ever had. We scheduled the top 15 teams in the state from last year and played three very good teams from other states, including two teams from Kentucky and Minnesota.”
Walz cited recent strong play from junior Emily Siegenthaler and senior Zoe Lawless, along with junior Ellie Grubbs.
“Emily has been awesome. She really has elevated her game and has been pouring it on offensively,” he said. “Zoe continues to be a dominant force on the field. Both Emily and Zoe lead the team in goals and assists. Zoe is a true attack player but due to the loss of so many players last year, she has filled in at midfield and is truly an incredible asset and fantastic leader. Ellie is another player who has elevated her game. She has been asked to take on other roles than she’s used to and has excelled offensively.”
Walz said he is most proud of the way his team has persevered this season. “Our strength of schedule is very tough, but in order to be the best we have to beat the best,” he said. “We never give up as a team and although our record isn’t great, we have lost to very good teams by just a goal or two.
“We are very proud of our work ethic, dedication and we really support one another on and off the field. Our goal right now is to make the final eight in state for the third year in a row and we know playing these tough teams will help us achieve our goal. We are having a blast this season and we really have great camaraderie and team chemistry. As coaches we are truly blessed to have such hard-working, dedicated and respectful young ladies.”
York opened the state playoffs earlier this week at home.
