In the last few seconds of overtime, the ball hits the net and the girls varsity lacrosse team beats their rival, Allentown High School, as the clock runs out. This season, the girls lacrosse team had a record of 12-6. In the Colonial Valley Conference, the girls lacrosse team is ranked second overall. The girls fought all season for their wins, especially in a game on senior day with their cross-town rivals, Allentown High School. Despite being down for most of the game, in the last two minutes, the team was able to match Allentown's three-point lead and win the game 10-9 in overtime.

“No one gave up even when they thought it was over, we rallied and even if we had lost I would still be proud of the way we performed,” said girls lacrosse Co-Captain Kate Becker.

Part of the reason the team is so successful is because of the unique team chemistry and culture. The girls lacrosse team consists of several traditions that create a supportive and motivating environment. When the new lacrosse athletes get into the varsity team, the girls already on the team visit the houses of new members to surprise them with welcome gifts.

Throughout the season, there are several pasta dinners and sleepovers that the captains host to create stronger bonds between teammates. The team also has pasta dinners the night before big games, and to help increase team spirit, there are often “psyches” before games. Some examples of their psyches might be dressing up with a theme, such as patriotic colors, or creating psyche bags for their teammates, which they use all communicate something they want in their group chat and their teammates surprise them with a gift. In order to create better relationships between all positions and junior varsity and varsity, there are squads. The squads are mixed up between levels and positions and they do several activities, such as scavenger hunts.

“The squads have helped us become a more cohesive team, it really connects us between all positions and between JV and varsity,” Becker said.

Along with having a strong team culture and bond, the players on the team have also committed to top programs. Among them are Division III recruits as well as rising star underclassmen. Co-Captain Grace Rebak ’22 committed to Williams College, Kate Becker ’22 committed to Amherst College, Sarah Glenn ’22 committed to UChicago, and goalie Gianna Peloso ’22 committed to Colby College. Notable rising stars include Riley Devlin ’24 and Phoebe Steiger ’24.

The team made several improvements this year, but not without setbacks. For example, there were several injuries, but the girls rebounded through hard work and a positive mindset.

“At one point, I think we had five girls who were sidelined and couldn't play at all. I would say it made us stronger, we had to work the hardest, because we were at a disadvantage” said Coach Katie Federico.

Despite the many injuries this season, the team was still able to be successful.

“I am really proud of this season, especially how the younger girls on the team rose to the occasion. We had some really close games, and we would have not been able to push through the way we did without them,” Rebak said.

The girls lacrosse team shows that dedication, hard work, and a good team culture make a successful team.

“Working hard is one of the team’s biggest strengths, everyone always puts their best efforts in, and this is something that we developed over the season. I think overall our biggest strength is how much we were able to improve, and how well we work together,” Becker said.