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WYOMING — The Wyoming Valley Conference’s newest girls lacrosse program is also its last to get started this season.
While nine of the WVC’s 10 teams have gotten their seasons underway, Wyoming Area has had its debut pushed back to Monday at Coughlin.
Instead of opening against a second-year Tunkhannock team, which is also in pursuit of its first WVC victory ever, the Warriors will hit the road against the conference’s most impressive team in the first week. Coughlin started 2-0 to share the Division 1 lead with defending champion Wyoming Seminary.
“Between rain, snow and the holidays, we haven’t been able to get on the field,” Wyoming Area coach Carl DeLuca said.
The Warriors made it outside for a practice for the first time a week ago. Their home field is at the Tenth Street Elementary School.
“We’re starting at ground zero, teaching the girls all the basics, all the rules and regulations,” DeLuca said.
Practice opened with just five girls on the 21-player roster with any lacrosse experience. Those players had participated in the Back Mountain Youth Lacrosse Association and have helped teach their teammates the sport.
“I’m impressed with how the girls have picked it up so fast,” DeLuca said. “ … I think we’ll hold our own this year.”
The roster consists of 15 freshmen and just six older girls.
Two of the older players could be leading the way as the team gets started.
Claudia Waltz, a junior, is the only player with three years of youth lacrosse experience. Her sister, freshman Bella Waltz, has played for two years.
Jordan Kelly, another junior, has played one year of youth lacrosse and has varsity athletic experience as a basketball point guard.
“They’re athletic girls, they play other sports, some basketball, volleyball and field hockey,” DeLuca said.
Carrie Poziac is the team’s only senior. Her sister, Lindsey Poziac, is one of team’s promising players as a freshman.
Sophomore Caitlin Butchko and freshman Madison Johnson are two others who are learning the game quickly.
The goalie is freshman Emily Cheskiewicz, another with two years of youth lacrosse in her background.
DeLuca is coaching girls for the first time and is adjusting to the significant rules differences between boys and girls lacrosse. He coached youth lacrosse for the last five years, including the last three with the Valley Laxerz boys team.
ReeRee DeLuca, Carl’s wife, is working on a volunteer basis as his only assistant.