Dukes recently split pair of games with Fenwick and Lake Forest.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The York girls lacrosse team certainly isn’t shying away from any challenges.
The Dukes, who went 20-4 overall last year and 4-1 in the West Suburban Conference are playing a schedule loaded with top competition.
York recently split a pair of games with Fenwick and Lake Forest. The Dukes defeated Fenwick 16-6 and lost 9-5 to Lake Forest.
“We learned a lot about what we need to change and work on,” said York coach Ryan Walz.
Walz pointed out York will play the top 15-ranked teams in the state from last year, including Loyola (ranked No. 1 in the Midwest), as well as New Trier and Hinsdale Central, a pair of clubs ranked in the top 10 in the Midwest.
York also headed to Kentucky over spring break to play some of the top teams there and will head to Milwaukee later this month to play one of the top teams from Minnesota.
“We wanted a challenging schedule and we have our work cut out for us, but these girls are fearless and will never give up,” said Walz.
York did lose a lot of players from last year’s team. “Half our field players are new and it’s going to take a little time, but we are excited for a fun season,” said Walz.
The Dukes return senior midfielder and attack Zoe Lawless, an all-WSC pick from a year ago and one of the top scorers in goals and points in the state last year.
Also back are junior midfielder Emily Siegenthaler (all-WSC last year) and senior attack Sam Wilson.
Key newcomers to the team include juniors Elizabeth Kraus (defense), Faith Shiley (attack), May Mann (defense), Katy Clugg (defense), Eileen O’Donnell (midfield), sophomore Marianna Gatti (defense), freshmen Cate Duhig (midfield) and Erica Buckley (attack).
“We are a fast team that works really hard,” said Walz. “The team is focused and smart. We can really improve quickly.”
Walz noted the Dukes are looking strong on offense, but he added “it’s going to take some time to get the rhythm and chemistry to play together as a unit. Our defense is solid but they too have to get used to one another. We are starting to learn plays offensively and what works for our defense. Grasping their roles and working on communication is important to our success.”
Mollie Grasse and Kerry O’Malley also are back on defense. “Mollie and Kerry are two very solid defenders back from last year who we will rely heavily on,” said Walz.
York also is strong in goal with Issy Torres and Caroline Fritsch at the position. “We are very fortunate,” said Walz. “They bring great attitudes and support one another really well.”
In the early going, Walz said two individuals to keep an eye out for are Mann and Duhig. “May is coming from the frosh-soph team last year and has become a starter on defense,” he said. “She will be challenged and could be a valuable asset on defense. Cate is a freshman taking on a huge role as a midfielder and possibly on the draw.”
Walz noted one intangible working heavily in York’s favor is the players’ love for the sport. “We love lacrosse,” he said. “Although practices can be tough at times, we always have fun and the girls get along with one another really well. We are confident and we trust each other. We know we will get better as the season progresses. They are starting to get to know each other on and off the field. We lost a ton of talent and experience from last season, but the girls work really hard and by mid-season we will be a totally different team than we are now.”
