Spring Sports Preview: Centreville Girls Lacrosse

Centerville Girls Lacrosse coach Brian Newell will try to build off of last season’s 5-7 record. After inheriting a program that won only two games in 2009, Newell’s Wildcat team doubled their win total last season, leaving the Centerville community excited as to what this season beholds.

“I’m excited with the progress we made last year, going from only two wins the previous year. We had a lot of our younger girls get involved who I expect to be a lot more competitive. The future looks bright,” Newell said.

The Wildcats enter the 2011 season relying heavily on a roster loaded with young talent. Centreville will feature eight sophomores this year and many experienced juniors, having lost only three of last season’s starters to graduation. Nine starters return from last year’s five-win squad, giving the Wildcats some veteran leadership. In addition to the Centreville’s eight sophomores, nine juniors and five seniors fill the rest of the team’s roster.

Offensively, Centreville will count on juniors Hayley Anderson and Maggie Dulkerian for the bulk of production. Both were constant staples in the Wildcat offense last season, and Newell will look to them to replicate their success. Anderson had one of the best sophomore campaigns in Wildcat history in 2010, garnering numerous post-season accolades. She was named 1st team All-District and earned Honorable Mention All-Region honors.  

Anderson will look to attacker, Dulkerian, for assistance on offense. Dulkerian finished second behind Anderson in total goals with 24 last season. Both Anderson and Dulkerian will anchor a Wildcat offense that poses a legitimate scoring threat each game.

Mackenzie Johnson will anchor a fairly young Wildcat defense. Johnson, who has committed to play lacrosse at Slippery Rock University next year, earned second-team All-District honors for her stingy defense last season.  Across from Johnson will stand sophomore Danielle Smith, who will be charged with the task of complimenting her on defense. Fellow sophomore Taylor Marrow will start at goalie.

Attacker Carly Sane, another sophomore who is expected to contribute in many ways this season, has Newell’s attention as he expects her to have a great season, “I think that she’s going to be outstanding. We’re looking for her to score a lot of goals and be big on assists,” said Newell.

Newcomers Taylor O’Hara and will play lacrosse for the first time in their high school careers. O’Hara and Meador, both members of Centreville’s basketball team, are expected to shore up the team’s defense.

“I’m excited about our sophomore and junior classes. We had a lot of girls commit to lacrosse this year and to play year round. It made a big difference in their skills,” said Newell. “I expect our games to be a lot more competitive this year than they were last year. We have a lot of young players, but hopefully we’re better this season than we were last season, and we’re better for years to come.”