Fairfax 2006 Girls Lacrosse Previews
The Westfield girl’s lacrosse team once again championed the Concorde District, but after losing four starters, including midfielder and former captain Kiersten McLouth, the Bulldogs’ title will be threatened by the strong set of seniors from Robinson. Here’s how the district rankings should result in 2006:
Robinson Rams- (2005 record: 13-2) Projected Finish: 1st
The game to watch this season is on March 24th against 2005 region champions W.T. Woodson. With outstanding players such as Mary Dunleavy at attack, who recently signed with Virginia Tech to play lacrosse, and Katie Delaney, who recently signed with William and Mary, Robinson will be an intimidating team to play. Under the coaching of Alison Cob, the Rams have just moved into the Concorde District from the Patriot District.
Pre-Season Report Card:
Experience: A
Offense: A
Defense: B+
Overall: A
Westfield Bulldogs- (2005 record: 10-7) Projected Finish: 2nd
After losing seven seniors, the Bulldogs were still able to take the district in 2005. Although the four seniors they’ve lost from last year have been replaced, they’ll still have a tough time against the Rams, who they play on March 31st. Under new coach Jim Dwyer, the girls will capitalize on their wide range of strength this season. Underclassmen attackers Emily Babiarz and Kelsey Duke, who led the team last year with 44 GBs, are in positions to keep the winning tradition alive. They will follow the lead of seniors Katie Morton, who led the team with 28 DCs; Angela Alfano, who followed her with 26 DCs and had the highest shot percentage last season; and Cathy Fadul, who had the second most GBs last season. The Bulldogs have six other seniors who will provide strong leadership.
Key Match-ups
Although playing Woodson will prove difficult, the game to watch this season is against Robinson on March 31st.
Pre-Season Report Card:
Experience: A-
Offense: B+
Defense: A
Overall: B+
Oakton Cougars- (2005 record: 14-4) Projected Finish: 3rd
After losing the district title to Westfield last year, it is expected that the Cougars will once again finish below the Bulldogs. They lost one of their strong offensive pieces, center midfielder Paige Keffer, who led the team with 17 goals last year. Oakton, however, did beat Robinson last year in the regional tournament, but lost six seniors this year, including attack Christina Cable. With starting senior Katie Moran at defender, there is great potential for Oakton to rise in the district ranks. Coach Jean Counts was the 2005 All-Met Coach of the Year, and never had a team with a losing season. She has led Oakton to regular season district titles before in 1998, 2002, and 2004.
Key Match-ups:
Season determining games will be against Robinson and Westfield on March 27th and April 4th, respectively.
Pre-Season Report Card:
Experience: B+
Offense: B-
Defense: A
Overall: B+
Chantilly- (2005 record: 9-4) Projected Finish: 4th
Chantilly will feel the loss of losing a trio of players to Virginia Tech. Christina Griel at attack, defenseman Christy Ziggler, and goalie Megan Waters all signed there last year. They will also feel the loss of former midfielder Christen Fratter, who was two-time Concorde District player of the year. Despite their mediocre rating, the Chargers did beat Westfield last year 10-3, based on a six-goal streak that took a toll on the Bulldog’s spirits. They only have one senior this year, Jackie Maxi, so this season will be used to strengthen their six juniors, 11 sophomores, and two freshmen. Chantilly will have to perform well on offense against every team in order to rise in the rankings.
Key Match-ups:
The games to see this season will be against the three above teams: against Westfield on March 27th, April 24th against Robinson, and May 2nd against Oakton.
Pre-Season Report Card:
Experience: C-
Offense: B+
Defense: B
Overall: C+
Herndon- (2005 record: 3-7) Projected Finish: 5th
Last season the Hornets were defeated by all three of the top teams by seven or more.
Key Match-ups:
The best matches this season will be against Chantilly and Centreville.
Pre-Season Report Card:
Experience: C-
Offense: C+
Defense: C
Overall: C
Centreville- (2005 record: 1-8) Projected Finish: 6th
The Wildcats will have a tough time in the Concorde District again this year. The Coach Michelle Maxwell-Gold will need to prepare her team for a tough season.
Key Match-up:
They play the fifth ranked Hornets on May 5th.
Pre-Season Report Card:
Experience: D-
Offense: D
Defense: C+
Overall: D-
