By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The high-school lacrosse community’s eyes are wide-open when it comes to the York girls team.
Through the first 11 games of the season, the Dukes sported a 9-2 record and also were 1-1 in West Suburban Conference play.
Earlier last week, the state had taken notice of York’s strong play as evidenced by its No. 3 Illinois ranking by the website www.laxpower.com.
York recorded a key 13-12 win over rival Montini, which was ranked No. 7 in the state.
Zoe Lawless was leading the conference in goals and points. On defense, Katie Toohey was second in the conference in caused turnovers.
On the offensive end, York has relied on the likes of Lawless, Lauren Anderson, Emma Baubly, Ellie Grubbs, Emily Sieghenthaler and Sam Wilson for the bulk of the team’s scoring.
Coach Ryan Walz has been thrilled with the play of Izzy Torress and Caroline Fritch in goal.
“Izzy and Caroline have been great in goal,” said Walz. “Izzy was fantastic against Montini.”
Walz points to the team’s success as a byproduct of what goes on during practice. “We work really hard in practice and we play so well together,” he said. “We are very focused and determined to achieve the goals we set in the beginning of the season.”
The Dukes’ transition game has been a positive thus far. “Our transitions from defense to offense are fast and we score a large number of our goals due to our speed and ability to create separation from the defense,” said Walz.
Walz has seen a team effort on the offensive end through 11 games. “The passing, team chemistry and unselfish play in the offensive zone is very impressive,” he said. “We work on doing things quick in practice and our girls have the stick skills to make the plays. We believe we have the fastest and most-conditioned team in the league.”
Walz said the team’s defensive play has exceeded expectations.
“Our defense has been much better than I imagined,” he said.
Walz noted newcomers Molly Grasse and Kerri O’Malley have done a good job of adapting to new systems and a much faster pace. “They seem to get better every game,” he said.
Depth also is in abundance on defense with Jenni Rudenga and Claire Dyra, plus senior defensive leaders Katie Toohey and Hannah Fleckenstein providing key assistance.
Walz also had high praise for Baubly and Anderson. “Emma has been awesome taking draws and winning battles against the best players in the league,” he said. “Lauren continues to be a dominant force in every facet.”
York heads to St. Louis, Mo., this weekend to face Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School and St. Joseph’s. Both teams were highly touted in 2015.
“We felt like we could beat every team we played except Loyola,” said Walz. “Loyola is the best in the Midwest for a reason, but other than that we know we can play with any team.”
