Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/16/14
This is one of a series of previews for the 2014 Philly lacrosse season
Friends’ Central School
Head Coach: Lauren Becker Rubin, 11th season
Last year’s record: 19-3 overall, 8-1 in the Friends Schools League, Finished 1st in the FSL(4th consecutive FSL Championship). Finished 2nd in PAISSA. Lost to Episcopal in the State Championship.
Key returning players: Emma Dahle/midfield, Kate Forrest/midfield, Jesse Rubin/midfield, Abby Crowley/midfield, Julie Levitan/Defense, Bianca Newton/Attack, Lisa Bernstein/Defense, Emily Tedesco/Attack
Coach’s Outlook: “The 2014 squad will have a significantly different look from last year, as we have lost over 50% of our starting line-up to graduation and season ending injury. We return a strong midfield, outstanding leadership and many players are poised to take on bigger roles from last year. Our senior class will set the tone, but our success will rely heavily on significant contributions from our juniors and sophomores. We also have several freshman that will make an immediate impact and see considerable playing time.”
George School
Head Coach: Nancy Bernardini, Assistant Coach: Melissa Keller
Last year’s record: 2013 Overall Record 5 Wins and 8 Loss, 2014 FSL Record 2 Wins and 5 Losses, 2012 League Champion: Friends’ Central School
George School Varsity Roster 2014:
*Alyssa Bustard 11 Defense
*Taylor Campellone 12 Captain Midfield
Mia Civitello 10 Midfield
Francesca Crimi 10 Defense
Olivia Harrison 11 Attack
*Anneliese Jennings 10 Midfield
*Aislin Keenan 11 Attack
Caire Kinnel 9 Attack
*Jill Kirk 11 Midfield
*Faith Gentilucci 12 Midfield
*Eliza Marris 11 Attack
*Katie McDonough 11 Attack
Shannon McGinnis 9 Midfield
Anna Picciano 9 Midfield
Winter Pisco 10 Goalie
*Blake Rivas 12 Defense
*Chesa Sacchi 12 Captain Midfield
Samantha Salmon 11 Midfield
*Natalia Spotts 12 Midfield
Elly Thomas 10 Defense
*Meghan Troup 11 Midfield
*Returning Player – 12 returning player, 7 returning starters
Key Players for 2014:
Taylor Campellone – An outstanding all-around player who has the speed and the stickwork to be an impact team player – a player to watch this spring – I will count on her as a center midfielder to win draws, score goals, distribute the ball, and play strong on defense – As one of the captains, she has already demonstrated her leadership skills as well. Taylor has committed to play at D-III Guilford College.
Alyssa Bustard – Only her third year of playing, she is a junior defensive player who can also play midfield. A smart player who is aggressive, conditioned, and skilled. We will need her to continue to play a tough denial defense! I look to her to lead the defense this season.
Eliza Marris – A leader on attack, she is an aggressive and versatile player, capable of scoring a lot of goals
Chesa Sacchi – Captain, Chesa is well conditioned and ready to play on attack. A smart and unselfish athlete who will always do what is best for the team.. She works hard and learns quickly! I am looking forward to watching her grow as a player and as a leader this year!
Katie McDonough – – A hard working attack player, who has worked hard during the off season to improve her game and her conditioning level. Not scared to attack goal, but also able to make the assist!
Meghan Troup – fast, tall, aggressive, and smart, it will be great to see Meghan step up her game this year, both of offense and defense. She loves playing and her determination to succeed and improve shows day-in and day-out!
Blake Rivas – Senior defensive player. Tiny in size, but plays an aggressive defense – excellent at winning the ground balls, she will be a force to be reckoned with!!!!
Shannon McGinnis – Freshman midfielder – skilled, experienced, and aggressive, I can’t wait to see her play in her first game!!! Watch out!!!!
Anna Picciano – Freshman midfielder/attack – Excellent passing and catching skills, another experienced player who could add some fire to this team!
Coach’s Outlook: “Once again, we have a core of talented, enthusiastic, and experienced players, mixed with new players who are passionate about the game of lacrosse, athletic, well conditioned and fast. We will need to come together quickly as a team, gain experience during our non-league games and then step up our play during league competitions.
“The FSL will be tough once again this year with many strong and experienced players returning and teams to face. This is a team game and we will need to count on everyone to work hard and play with the determination to succeed. The question will be whether we can get into top shape and come together as a team quick enough (GS is on break from March 6 to March 24) –.
“There are a lot of newcomers, particularly freshmen, that could play major roles this season, and it will be exciting to watch them improve from game to game. We will jump into the season quickly, and must play with confidence, pass effectively and quickly and score often in order to win. I can’t wait to see these girls in action against other schools!”
