On March 21, Linganore girls’ varsity lacrosse hosted South Carroll for their 2023 home opener.

Unfortunately, The Lancers did not start the season quite the way they hoped for. They fell short to South Carroll in a 16-11 loss.

In the loss to South Carroll, the Lancers were punished with penalties. Their offense, however, managed to keep scoring.

Attacker and lead goal-scorer junior Reese Wallich scored 4 goals, and attacker Hadley Robertson tallied 2 goals and an assist.  

Although they were down early, junior goalie Payton Boteler had many great saves keeping Linganore in the game.

Despite the final score and the loss to South Carroll, the team remains optimistic for the rest of their season. 

One reason the team is hopeful is because they have no shortage of talent this season. There are seven girls’ varisty lacrosse players committed to play in college, four of which will be playing Division 1 lacrosse this fall or in the following season. 

Although the team is full of talent, the team faces some challenges this season. For instance, they have an all new coaching staff.

For the 2023 season, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team is being coached by Dean Coccia. Coccia played lacrosse for McDaniel college, and this is his first season on the other sideline as a coach rather than an excited fan cheering on his daughter. Coccia’s three children attend schools in the Linganore feeder pattern.

Although players understand it will take some effort to connect and get on the same page, they are excited for this change.

“We definitely have to learn how to adapt to his [Dean’s] coaching style and build chemistry as a team,” said returning senior Savannah Donahue.

To accomplish this goal, the team is participating in many bonding activities such as team volleyball.

The Lancers are hopeful that as the season progresses, the chemistry and friendships that are formed will give them the same success they had last year. In the 2022 season, the team made it all the way to the state semifinals. 

Wallich said, “Our ultimate goal is to win states.” 

Donahue agreed. “We hope to make it as far as we did last year, hopefully even further,” said Donahue.

The team’s next game is against Oakdale High School on Thursday, March 30 at Linganore. Come out and support the Lancers!! 

Click here to view the full schedule for this season!