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Wyoming Seminary and Lake-Lehman each suffered two major graduation losses, but each have so much still returning that they figure to once again be the most likely teams to finish in the top two spots in Wyoming Valley Conference girls lacrosse.
Two-time Times Leader Player of the Year Kate Romanowski graduated from Wyoming Seminary, which has won all five titles in the history of the WVC, which debuted as a seven-team conference in 2013 and has grown to its current 12-team membership.
Romanowski and Abby Straub, the WVC’s two most dynamic players a year ago, combined for 145 goals and 37 assists in 2017 and 381 goals and 91 assists over their four-year careers.
Lake-Lehman moves on without offensive captain Katie Strohl and defensive captain Carrie-Ann Keiper.
The Black Knights reached the District 2 final where they lost to Wyoming Seminary, which also holds every one of those titles in the sport’s history locally. They lost only to the Blue Knights while finishing second in the conference after winning the Division 2 in 2016 when it was still a two-division format.
The yearly challenge becomes to see which team can catch Wyoming Seminary first in terms of taking a title away from the Blue Knights.
Coughlin had seized the lead in that pursuit at one point, but Lake-Lehman has assumed that role now.
Delaware Valley, Crestwood and Dallas have developed winning teams that also have hope of chasing down the leaders.
Catie Kersey expects Wyoming Seminary’s team to have a slightly different look, but the Blue Knights figure to remain strong in the midfield.
Junior midfield/attack Christina Kilyanek, senior midfielder Julia Gabriel and senior midfield/defender Olivia Meuser are all back.
The team also has an established goalie with junior Mia Raineri back for her third season.
“We graduated some strong players at the end of last season so we’re adjusting to a new style of play and our younger players working hard to step into important roles,” Kersey said. “We are at our strongest in the middle. We have a ton of speed and athleticism there.”
The Blue Knights once again boast a senior class of key players who have been through years of championship contributions.
Meuser and Gabriel are joined by attacker Emily Sims and defender Kaitlyn Metz among the most experienced seniors. Another, midfield Camryn Litjens, broke into the starting lineup as her junior season progressed.
“We have a talented senior class which has been playing together for so long and you can see the good chemistry on the field,” Kersey said.
Alicia Galasso and Kate Roberts lead an experienced attack for what is shaping up as a high-scoring Lake-Lehman team.
Ron Strohl, last year’s Times Leader Coach of the Year selection, said Lake-Lehman is working on “a strong team chemistry, leadership, passing, being patient, working hard and having fun.”
The conference got in a portion of its first-week schedule despite weather obstacles last week.
WVC GIRLS LACROSSE CAPSULES
NOTE: All teams remain in the same classes in which they competed in last year’s playoffs.
ABINGTON HEIGHTS
Coach: Becky Davis
2017 WVC Record: 4-7
2017 Postseason: Beat Pittston Area 13-7 in District 2 Class 2A preliminary round; lost to Wyoming Seminary 14-3 in D2-2A quarterfinals
2018 Record: 0-0
All-star returning: Brennan Tates, second-team attack on coaches’ all-star team
Starters returning: Tates, Sr. A; Meghan Noone, Sr. D; Abby Brown, Sr. M; Sidney Horvath, So. G; Ashley DeRiso, Sr. A; Kaila Steenback, Sr. M; Bristol Grenfell, Sr. D; Sarah Murray, Sr. D; Leia Parry, Jr. M; Scott Perri, Sr. D; Lauren Simakaski, Sr. M
Outlook: The Lady Comets made a respectable debut in league competition and have a chance to move up with almost the entire starting lineup returning. “We are looking to built upon our success from last year,” Davis said.
COUGHLIN
Coach: Colleen Wood
2017 WVC Record: 0-11
2017 Postseason: Beat Tunkhannock 12-10 in District 2 Class 2A preliminary round; lost to Lake-Lehman 22-2 in D2-2A quarterfinals
2018 Record: 0-0
All-stars returning: None
Starters returning: Kendall Pearage, Sr. A; Maria Franckiewicz, Sr. D; Sara Price, Sr. G; Ashley Chase, Jr. M; Bailey Cunningham, Jr. A; Samantha Nordmark, Jr. D; Jolene Ulichney, So. M; Ali Tedek, So. M; Abie Sorokas, So. A/D; Abbey Weidler, So. A/D; Raven Bozek, So. G.
Outlook: Nearly the entire lineup returns from a tough rebuilding year that did feature a district tournament upset after a winless regular season. Players from Meyers were added last season in a cooperative sponsorship and Coughlin had graduated the bulk of its team from 2016. Five of this year’s sophomores already have starting experience. “That previous year, we had lost everybody,” Wood said. “The good thing is that right now we have 15 freshmen and some more sophomores who just came out, so it’s pretty positive looking ahead.”
CRESTWOOD
Coach: Russ Kile
2017 WVC Record: 8-3
2017 Postseason: Beat Wyoming Area 13-5 in District 2 Class 2A quarterfinals; lost to Lake-Lehman 11-8 in D2-2A semifinals.
2018 Record: 0-0
All-stars returning: Sam Brumagin is a two-time Times Leader, all-star defender. Natasha Koslop, on attack, and Taylor Tomalinas, at midfield, are also returning Times Leader all-stars. All three were also first-team choices on the coaches’ team.
Starters returning: Sam Brumagin, Sr.; Katie Costlett, Sr.; Julia Filchak, Sr. G; Lilly Greene, Jr.; Mackenzie Kile, Jr.; Natasha Koslop, Sr.; Madison Krawontka, Sr.; Olivia Novrocki, Jr.; Emily Roberts, So.; Taylor Tomalinas, Sr.; Abby Zaleppa, Sr.; Sarah Zaleppa, So.
Outlook: Crestwood returns many experienced players and could get a boost from a strong freshman class, including Julia Rose, Jill Taleroski, Hillary Blazik, Julia Johnson, Anna Kahlua, Kelsey Kulak and Marissa McCune. “We were fortunate to secure several games and scrimmages against very good programs early in the season to gauge our progress,” Kile said. “With continued growth each year, we expect to be a contender as one of the top three or four teams in the Wyoming Valley Conference.”
DALLAS
Coach: John Delamater
2017 WVC Record: 7-4
2017 Postseason: Beat Scranton Prep 10-6 in District 2 Class 2A quarterfinals; lost to Wyoming Seminary 12-4 in D2-2A semifinals
2018 Record: 0-1
All-stars returning: Lauren Delamater was a second-team Times Leader all-star on the attack. Delamater and defender Claudia Leu were both second-team choices on the coaches’ team.
Starters returning: Lauren Delamater, Jr. A; Christiana Leu, So. A; Mindy Ratchford, Sr. M; Grace Young, Jr. M; Sydney Strickland, Jr. M; Claudia Leu, Sr. D: Lauren Alves, Sr. D; Gabby Sweeney, Jr. D; Ondrea Taffera, Jr. D.
Outlook: Dallas reached double figures in overall wins for the first time last season and has three four-year starters – Lauren Alves, Claudia Leu and Mindy Ratchford – that it can build around. The entire defense is back to support junior Bailey Slacktish, a newcomer in goal. After losing six starters to graduate, “younger players are now moving into key roles,” according to coach John Delamater.
DELAWARE VALLEY
Coach: Bernadine Salak
2017 WVC Record: 9-2
2017 Postseason: Lost to Bethlehem Freedom 12-5 in District 2-11 Class 3A Subregional quarterfinal; beat Hazleton Area 16-4 for District 2 Class 3A title
2018 Record: 1-0
All-stars returning: Bailey Fedun was a first-team coaches’ all-star midfielder; goalie Mandy Xu and utility player Kirsten Dunn were second-team choices.
Starters returning: Mandy Xu, Sr. G; Emily Covert, Sr. D; Morgan Gifford, Sr. D; Eileen Nikles, Sr. D; Bailey Fedun, Jr. M; Kirsten Dunn, Sr. M; Faith Fucetola, Sr. M.
Outlook: Salak is confident in the team’s defense. “We have a solid nucleus of players returning from last year’s team on defense,” she said. “We are looking forward to a strong season with our defense setting the tone and fueling our offense.”
HAZLETON AREA
Coach: Bethanne Hudock
2017 WVC Record: 1-10
2017 Postseason: Lost to Delaware Valley 16-4 in District 2 Class 3A championship
2018 Record: 0-1
All-stars returning: Meleah Hoats was a second-team midfielder, according to coaches.
Starters returning: Meleah Hoats, Sr.; Laura Bayzick, Sr.; Lexi Bohman, Jr.; Catherine Torres, Sr.; Jordan Minzola, Jr.; Yesmarlyn Diaz, Jr; Mackenzie Rockovich, Jr.; Mackenzie Milot, So. G; Brytnee Barbush, So. G.
Outlook: Hoats and Bayzick, the top two scorers from last season, return and join Bohman as the team captains. Hazleton Area is in just its second season as a conference member. Freshman Riley Hudock gives the Lady Cougars just their second player with experience prior to joining the high school team. Hoats in the other, having also played in the Mountain Top Area Lacrosse Association (MALAXA). “We have added 18 new girls from last year alone,” Hudock said. “For that reason, we are still working on defining positions as we see so much talent with this new group of girls.”
LAKE-LEHMAN
Coach: Ron Strohl
2017 WVC Record: 10-1
2017 Postseason: Beat Coughlin 22-2 in District 2 Class 2A quarterfinals; beat Crestwood 11-8 in D2-2A semifinals; lost to Wyoming Seminary 13-9 in D2-2A final
2018 Record: 2-0
All-stars returning: Grace Butler was a first-team Times Leader all-star goalie; Attacker Alicia Galasso, midfielder Kate Roberts and defender Mackenzie Lasinski were all second-team Times Leader choices. All four received the same level of recognition on the coaches’ all-star team.
Starters returning: Alicia Galasso, Sr. A; Hailey Jenkins, Sr. M; Kate Roberts, Jr. A; Jess Evans Jr. M; Grace Butler, Jr. G; Mikella Monco, Jr. M; Mackenzie Lasinski, So. D.
Outlook: Lake-Lehman has a few spots to fill in, but a group of 23 freshmen, includes Rachel Shook, Ava Radel, Maddy Stuart, Madison Tereska and Lyndsey Sayre with the potential to contribute early.
PITTSTON AREA
Coach: Nicole Tieso
2017 WVC Record: 2-9
2017 Postseason: Lost to Abington Heights 13-7 in District 2 Class 2A preliminary round
2018 Record: 0-1
All-star returning: Nina Cerelli was a second-team, all-star midfielder on both the teams selected by the Times Leader and by WVC coaches.
Starters returning: Nina Cerelli, Sr. M; Kristin Walters, Jr. A; Julia Emmett, Jr. A/M; Julia Zambetti, Jr. A; Bailey Jordan, Sr. M; Callie Kipp, Sr. M; Mariah Menichelli, Sr. D; Julia Yanchis, Sr. D; Makenzie Koonrad, Sr. D; Hayley Lewis, Jr. D/M; Brooklyn Pedana, Jr. G.
Outlook: After losing only two seniors to graduation, Tieso is hopeful of a significant climb in the standings. “Looking at how we did last year and what we’re returning, we’re hoping to improve on our wins, hoping to even maybe at least reach .500 this season,” she said.
SCRANTON PREP
Coach: Doug Knieser
2017 WVC Record: 5-6
2017 Postseason: Lost to Dallas 10-6 in District 2 Class 2A quarterfinals
2018 Record: 1-1
All-star returning: Kerry McGrath was a second-team choice on the attack, according to coaches
Starters returning: Paige Boland, So. D; Lilian Boles, So. M/A; Maggie Dickson, So. M/A; Elisa Kopicki, So. M/A; Katie Malone, So. M/A; Devon Price, So. M/A; Caroline Conway, Jr. D; Val Germain, Jr. D; Caroline Krulewicz, Jr. D/M; Kerry McGrath, Jr. A: Aidan Sekely, Jr. G; Emma Perih, Sr. A/M; Claire Turner, Sr. M.
Outlook: McGrath, Perih and Sekely are expected to lead the way for the Classics, according to Knieser.
TUNKHANNOCK
Coach: Jana Hopfer
2017 WVC Record: 4-7
2017 Postseason: Lost to Coughlin 12-10 in District 2 Class 2A Preliminary round
2018 Record: 0-1
All-stars returning: None
Starters returning: Unable to confirm through multiple requests
WYOMING AREA
Coach: Carl DeLuca
2017 WVC Record: 5-6
2017 Postseason: Lost to Crestwood 13-5 in District 2 Class 2A quarterfinals
2018 Record: 0-1
All-stars returning: None
Starters returning: Lila Donnelly, Sr. A; Lindsey Pozaic, Sr. M; Nicole Zalepa, Sr. D; Hannah Hinkle, Sr. D; Bella Waltz, Sr. D/M; Madison Johnson, Sr. M; Carlina Urban, Sr. A; Sara Miller, Sr. A; Tierney Porfirio, So. M; Cassidy Orzel, So. M; Caitlin McDonough, So. M; Amanda McCormick, Fr. F; Sarah McCormick, Fr. D.
Outlook: Donnelly, Pozaic, Zalepa, Hinkle and Waltz are all four-year starters, who helped launch the program. They now have support from players who know more about the game when they arrive with a background in youth lacrosse. “We have a lot of speed this year, so I’m going to try to use that to our advantage,” DeLuca said.
WYOMING SEMINARY
Coach: Catie Kersey
2017 WVC Record: 11-0
2017 Postseason: Beat Abington Heights 14-3 in District 2 Class 2A quarterfinals; beat Dallas 12-4 in D2-2A semifinals; beat Lake-Lehman 13-9 in D2-2A final; lost to Bishop Shanahan 16-5 in first round of state Class 2A tournament
2018 Record: 2-0
All-stars returning: Midfielder Christina Kilyanek and defensive/midfielder Julia Gabriel were first-team all-stars on both the Times Leader team and the one selected by coaches. Gabriel was recognized as a utility player by the coaches. Defender Kaitlyn Metz and goalie Mia Raineri were second-team choices by the Times Leader.
Starters returning: Emily Sims, Sr. A; Christina Kilyanek, Jr. M/A; Olivia Meuser, Sr. D/M; Julia Gabriel, Sr. M; Camryn Litjens, Sr. M; Kaitlyn Metz, Sr. D; Mia Raineri, Jr. G
Outlook: The Blue Knights have dominated District 2, winning every district title, beginning with the launch of the sport locally in 2011. “I’m most excited for the work ethic and team spirit right now,” Kersey said. “Our players, regardless of grade level or experience, just want to get better, so our practices are competitive. They are gunning for another WVC championship and district title as well as the opportunity to play in the state tournament.”
