Main Line lacrosse previews: Local squads welcome return to action
The Main Line traditionally features a number of strong high school lacrosse squads, and this spring is no exception as the local teams take the field after an absence of almost two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Academy of Notre Dame head coach Austin Brown spoke no doubt for every Main Line lacrosse coach when she said, “We are excited to be back on the field after a long time away and are ready to show everyone what we are made of.”
Here’s an early-season look at how the Main Line high school lacrosse teams shape up this spring:
Academy of Notre Dame
The Irish have a fine goalie in senior Quinn Sullivan, who Notre Dame head coach Austin Brown said, “sees the field well, communicates well and helps her teammates to be successful.”
Notre Dame has four solid midfielders in seniors Dani Falcone and Catherine (Cat) Leary, and sophomores Katie Onderdonk and Ava Bleckley.
“Dani is a stand out player on both sides of the ball,” said Brown. “She is a great leader, and works hard to push herself and her teammates to be better.
“Cat is an extremely versatile player. She will play anywhere on the field and is always giving everything her all.
“Katie is a force to be reckoned with and creates opportunities all over the field. She is a great playmaker and goes 110 percent all over the field.
“Ava uses her vision to help herself and her teammates to create opportunities. She goes hard, always, and wants the best for her team.”
ND’s attack features freshman Molly Chorin, who Brown said, “is able to create opportunities by her great field vision and her speed.”
Brown said, “Our main goal this year is to be at the top of our league. We have a young, talented group who work well together. We are going to focus on following our game plan and executing Notre Dame lacrosse, no matter who we are playing this year.”
Agnes Irwin
The Owls have a strong defensive senior class, anchored by low defenders Annabel Laveran, Caroline Vauclain and Avery McMullin, while Paige Crowther and Jordan Healy will provide stability in the net. Senior Brynn Ammerman will lead the attack in her senior season as an excellent feeder and finisher.
Agnes Irwin juniors Sydney Wilson, Carly Wilson, and Cate Parcells will lead the midfield with their speed and ability to transition the ball.
Agnes Irwin head coach Lauren Wray said, “Juniors Samantha Hark, Colby Macione and Katherine Ernst will contribute to our experienced defense and midfield with their ability to work well together as a defensive unit. Junior Alex Lesko will make a mark this season with her ability to cut, catch and finish in our offense.”
Wray said, “There are still so many uncertainties with this spring season, so we are focusing on taking each practice and game day by day. The team has done a great job bringing intensity and focus to each practice and I am confident that will translate to game day. A determination has yet to be made about championships [as of March 23], so we are focused on taking games one at a time and winning our league and non-league matchups in 2021.”
Conestoga (boys)
The Pioneers, who posted a 21-4 record in 2019, winning the Central League and District 1 3A championship and finishing as PIAA 3A state runner-up, have a deep lineup this spring.
The quarterback of the Pioneers offense is senior attack and captain Joey Allen, the team’s leading returning scorer. He is noted for his athleticism and all-around leadership. Another key attackman is junior Patrick Reilly, valued for his versatility (he played midfield as a freshman) and fine shot.
The midfield is deep, featuring senior Aiden Kelly, an athletic, versatile veteran; senior Graham Blatchford, A tall rangy player noted for his game knowledge; senior Wylder Adkison, a fast shooter who is considered dangerous between the lines; junior Peter Detwiler, noted for his speed, grit and ability to collect ground balls; senior captain Tommy Ciccarone, an experienced and versatile long stick middie; junior Ian Kim, who contributes on face-offs and elsewhere; Max Austin, a senior who has turned into a defensive midfield specialist with the ability to push it in offense; senior James Condi, a fast, tough grinder.
On defense, the Pioneers feature senior captain Andy Marquet, a veteran leader who is considered a game-changer; and senior John Serafim, noted for his smarts and hustle. Sophomore Patrick Jameison is considered a smart, reliant goalie.
Conestoga (girls)
The Pioneers, who posted a 19-4 record in 2019, feature a young squad this spring.
“With only a few varsity returners, we are a very young team but have a lot of talent,” said Amy Orcutt, in her 12th year as Conestoga’s head coach.
Key Pioneers on include senior attack Rachel Clark, a University of Virginia commit, noted by Orcutt for her quick first step to goal and accurate shot; and trio of midfielders in senior Megan Marengo (a Navy commit), junior Melissa Hewitt (committed to LaSalle) and sophomore Kate Galica.
“Megan is aggressive, and plays great team and 1v1 defense,” said Orcutt. “Melissa is crafty around the cage, and Kate gives us good speed in the midfield.”
Other Pioneers to watch include senior attack Anna DeVuono, senior attack Addi Bucher and freshman Kiki Liebezeit.
“I look forward to watching us improve over the course of the season and competing for a Central League, district, and state championship,” said Orcutt. “Last spring, something positive our team did during the pandemic was starting the Lacrosse Village Initiative.”
Devon Prep
Top returning starters for the Tide’s defense are senior goalie Liam Davies, senior defender Nadir Bryant, senior defender JP Schuller and junior defender Jack Friend.
“Liam is an experienced player with quick hands, and quarterbacks our defensive rotations,” said Devon Prep lacrosse coach Mark Consolo. “Nadir is a vocal leader and high intensity player, always encouraging communication on team defense, and a key player in the clearing game. JP is a very physical player, great on ground balls as a long pole. Jack is super athletic, plays very well 1-1 defense.”
The offense is led by junior Dan Brown, who tallied 15 goals and 16 assists as a freshman.
“Dan is super athletic, very physical, the best shooter on the team and is the leader on offense,” said Consolo. “[Senior] Declan Thompson is our best all-around midfielder – he can dodge well on offense, then get back and play great defense on the other side of the field. [Junior] Chris Walton is an all-around key offensive player – he can play attack and create opportunities as X, and is a great feeder and close finisher. He also is relied on heavily for clearing and playing as a defensive midfielder.”
The Tide will be leaning on senior Ryan Thiele, senior Gabe Lebaudy and freshman Niko D’Alessandro for faceoffs.
Episcopal Academy (boys)
The Churchmens’ midfield is led by senior Billy Adams, an athletic two-way player going to Army next year. Senior long stick middie Will Delaney, a Hofstra commit, is considered a fine on-ball defender who picks up lots of ground balls and creates transition offense. Senior short stick defensive midfielder Mikel Zahralddin, who is headed to Washington & Lee in the fall, is a tough on-ball defender. Senior defender Dom Piselli, who is headed to Stevens Institute of Technology, is considered a good on-field communicator and close defenseman who picks up many ground balls. EA’s goalie is junior Nash Womack, an athletic stopper who leads the Churchmens’ defense.
The attack is led by senior Reilly Dugan, a Villanova commit who is a strong left-handed dodger and shooter; senior Max Strid, a solid goal-scorer who will be playing football at Trinity next fall; and junior Tristan Whitaker, a University of Vermont commit who is a strong shooter and dodger.
Episcopal Academy (girls)
The Churchwomen feature a solid trio in senior midfielder and co-captain Madison Vetterlein (committed to Boston University), senior attack and co-captain Sarah Groark and junior attack Alexa Capozzoli (committed to St Joseph’s University).
“Madison is a defensive-minded midfielder who brings tremendous speed and quickness all over the field,” said EA head coach Josie Tomaino. “She has great footwork, a strong physical presence and a spark that will definitely help our transition this season.
“Sarah is a seasoned attacker for our program and brings a wealth of leadership experience to our team. She’s calm under pressure and can finish the ball from anywhere in the 8.
“Alexa’s stickwork, vision, creativity and quickness make her an attacker to watch this season. She’s a vocal leader who will play a major role in our attacking unit this season.”
Tomaino said, “Due to the fact that there is no Inter Ac championship this year, our goal is to be competitive this season with our schedule as well as with our team goals.”
Friends’ Central (girls)
The Phoenix, who posted an 8-7 record in 2019 and captured the Quaker Cup, have a nucleus that includes senior goalie Leah Anderson, senior midfielder Hallie Bender, senior midfielder/defender Lilly Selkow and junior midfielder/attack Maddie Berger.
“While on the field success is certainly desired, health and safety must take precedence so there will be mitigation protocols in place,” said Friends’ Central girls head coach Jebb Chagan. “We will be working to build each student-athlete’s lacrosse skills and support each young person’s academic and emotional development. We are happy to be playing!”
Harriton (boys)
Two of the Rams’ senior captains, midfielder Evan Prince and attack Lachlan Northington, will play key roles for Harriton this spring.
Prince, who will play lacrosse for Lafayette College next spring, will take the majority of the Rams’ draws, and is one of the team’s go-to midfielders.
Northington is considered a great voice in the huddle, and will contribute heavily as the quarterback of the Rams’ offense.
Harriton head coach Jeff Desko calls freshman long stick middie Julian Contract “an athletic, aggressive pole with no fear.”
Other key Rams will be junior captains Josh Smith and Nate Johnson, and freshman Ross Prince.
Harriton (girls)
The Rams, who retain a few members from their 2019 PIAA state championship team, feature a deep and versatile lineup that includes junior midfielder Annie Aspesi, junior attack/midfielder Grace Dwyer (a Cornell lacrosse commit), junior attack Rachel Kolton (American University commit), senior defender/midfielder Alexia Luca (Drexel commit) and senior defender Ashton Odiorne (UNC field hockey commit).
“This will be Annie’s breakout season, which would have been last year if it weren’t for COVID,” said Harriton girls head coach Rebecca Cartee-Haring. “She is an incredible multi-sport athlete who will use her point guard savvy to dominate the midfield this season. She is a smart player who sees the field well and makes good judgements; she will get the job done when the team needs her.
“Grace brings a calm and serious athleticism to the team. She is focused, coachable and talented in every aspect of the game, but she continues to improve in ways that make her one of the best players in the area. Grace will make an impact on the draw, the attack and the re-defend.
“Rachel is a speed demon with a quick first step and a shiftiness and dodging capability that makes her difficult to defend. Her quickness matched with her ability to feed or finish will be key to our attack this season.
“Alexia is a powerful player who can play anywhere on the field. She is able to shut down attackers, as well as use that power to attack and score goals. She has spent the off-season working on the draw and will be in the mix on the circle.
“Ashton has the consistency and leadership to run the defense. She is an intimidating prescience in the defensive end and her calm demeanor makes her leadership invaluable for our team and any success we reach this season.”
Cartee-Haring added, “Our goal for this season is to keep everyone healthy, to have a complete season and play into the post season, and to continue the RamLax legacy of success with the new approach of the current coaching staff.”
Haverford High (boys)
The Fords have five senior veterans to keep an eye on this spring – goalie Matt Davis, Nick Hand, defender Brian Young, midfielder Jimmy Klein and defender Kevin Ronayne. Davis is a third-year starter and considered a pure ball-stopper, while Hand, Young and Ronayne also are third-year starters.
Haverford head coach Greg Decina said, “Nick is a utility player for us who does not come off the field, from attack to d-mid to faceoff wings. Brian is a team leader, and Kevin is the vocal leader of our defense. Jimmy will lead our offense from the midfield with his speed and skill.”
Haverford High (girls)
The key Fords returning include junior Izzy McGarvey, a fast, smart player who is good with assists and excels at redefending the clears; junior Jackie Heinerichs, a speedy midfielder with great stick skills, and a team leader who can find the back of the net; junior Emma Rowland, considered a strong all-around player, and a strong aggressive attack player as well as the Fords’ best 1v1 defender; senior co-captain Joey Miller, a fourth-year starter and strong, vocal leader who anchors the defense; senior co-captain Grace Hetznecker, an attacker noted for her assists and goal-scoring; senior midfielder Colleen Bates, a speedy attacker who can find the back of the net; junior goalie Rory Turner, noted for her aggression in attacking the ball, her quick reactions, and her skill in finding the open player for clears; sophomore Caroline Dotsey, a fast midfielder who excels in knowing where to be on her cuts, and is noted for her standout redefending. Other Fords to watch include senior defender Paige Elsner, freshman midfielder/defender Hillary Elsner, freshman defender Chloe Taylor and sophomore defender Tess Heller.
Lower Merion (boys)
The Aces feature a tough trio of junior defenders – Henry Bard, Sam Shaffer and Noah Ruth.
“Henry is one of the most dominating defensemen in the league and will play all over the field,” said LM head coach Roland D’Ortone. “Sam has a scrappy, tenacious style and is the emotional leader for our team. Noah serves as the steady, reliable force that rounds out our defense.”
Leading the LM attack is senior Connor McCabe, whom the Aces look to be a settling force and the quarterback of the offense.
The midfield is led by junior Luke D’Alonzo, who D’Ortone said has developed into an aggressive, explosive dodger and playmaker.
Top newcomers for the Aces include six sophomores – midfielders Dylan Petson, Simon Rosen and Aidan Friedman, long stick middie Kelly Oelkers, defender Hutton Smith and goalie Felix Morales.
Lower Merion (girls)
The Aces have a solid senior core, with Ellen Stickney (George Mason University lacrosse commit), and Hannah Shalaby on attack, and Bridget McCann, Ellie O’Keefe and Sage O’Connor (Drexel field hockey commit) on defense. Junior goalie Clare Morrissey will anchor the Aces’ defense.
“Our team has skilled players, great shooters and strong defenders, which gives the team balance across the field,” said Lower Merion head coach Melissa O’Connor. “We have a lot of returning players with 11 seniors – it’s a matter of getting more experience playing as a team. The underclassmen are very athletic and skilled, and they will have an immediate impact on rebuilding this program.”
Malvern Prep
The Friars have a strong senior class, and led by Jake Brownley (Harvard recruit), Mike ‘Pup’ Buono (Penn State) and Cooper Frankenheimer (North Carolina), the Friars should be stout defensively. The attack is led by Will Peden (Penn State) and Colin McGill (Dartmouth), with help from offensive-minded midfielders Eric Spanos (Maryland) and Nick Potenski (Duke).
Merion Mercy Academy
The Golden Bears are led by their three captains – senior midfielder Nora Burns, senior defensive midfielder Lexi Sarne and junior midfielder Brynn Donnelly.
Burns, who is headed to Lafayette in the fall to play lacrosse, is considered the leader of Merion Mercy’s midfield.
“Nora’s speed in transition, combined with her knowledge of the game make her a key player on both our attacking and defensive ends,” said MMA head coach Julianne D’Orazio.
Sarne, who is committed to play lacrosse at The College of Wooster, is noted for her strong communication skills and competitive spirit. This spring, she will be relied upon as a key contributor on MMA’s attacking end as well.
D’Orazio said, “Brynn is a dominant player all over the field who has an innate ability to score goals, cause turnovers and win the draw control.”
Additional key returnees are junior midfielder Fiona Kirk, sophomore defender Kerri McCormick and sophomore attack Caroline Carucio.
Radnor (boys)
The Raiders, who posted an 18-7 record in 2019 and advanced to the PIAA state semifinal, have a large senior class that has played together for a while along with some talented underclassmen.
The senior class includes attackmen Drew Cox, Jack Murphy and Damien Ramondo, and midfielders Charlie Bernicker, Chris Begier, Thomas Hannum, Ryan Hornbaker, Mark McKeon (captain), and Peter Vitale along with defensemen Reece Evans, Casey Ott, Grant Pierce (captain), and Carson Smith. Robert Hobbs and Carlos Palma are senior goalies.
“We are very excited to be playing lacrosse again and are looking forward to making the most of this opportunity,” said Radnor head coach John Begier.
Radnor (girls)
“We have a competitive and goal-oriented group of seniors,” said Radnor head coach Kristin Addis. “We’re excited to watch them grow as players and leaders over the course of our season. We’ve been impressed with their desire to compete, ability to adapt, and overall work ethic. They are building their brand and striving to leave a lasting legacy.”
Those seniors include defenders Avery Ciatto and Ellie Rinehart, midfielders Tori DiCarlo and Margaret Mooney, attackers Sheila Esgro and Cierra Hopson and goalies Abby Jansen and Elise Palmer.
Sacred Heart Academy
Under new coach Michele Moresco, The Lions have six returning seniors – tri-captain Zoe Bounds, Emily Cecchine, tri-captain Aubrey Conners (heading to Clark University in the fall to play lacrosse) Ann DeFrancesco, tri-captain Hailey Silvi and Natasha Szipszky.
Other returning Lions include juniors Caroline Fleming and Izzy Gehring, and sophomores Jaime Donatucce, Macie Moresco and goalie Emma Campbell.
Villa Maria Academy
The Hurricanes, who were the District 1 2A champs and state runner-up, look to be the class of the AACA once again under fifth-year head coach Allie Sweeney (65-9 record). Villa has a large senior class, including Margie Carden on the attack, Kyla Branco in goal and Jackie Carden and Abby Irvine on defense. Freshman Allie Meyer is expected to make an immediate impact on the attack. The midfield is anchored by sophomore Maggie Traynor, senior Alex Touey and junior Clara Meehan.
