Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/26/16
Courtesy of Pac-10Sports.com
This is one of a series of previews for the 2016 Philly lacrosse season
Methacton
League: PAC-10
Head coach: Laurie Markle, 10th season
2015 Record: 10-3 PAC-10 (2nd in Liberty Division), 15-6 overall; Reached PAC-10 final with 14-11 win over Phoenixville before dropping an 11-10 decision to Owen J. Roberts in league championship; edged by Hatboro-Horsham 14-13 in opening round of districts
Key returnees/players to watch
Deb Peifer, Sr., Attack, 21g, 9a; Manhattan (co-captain)
Sara Hughes, Sr., Attack, 74g, 22a; St. Joseph’s (co-captain)
Jackie Cerchio, Jr., Midfield, 47g, 25a
Dara Lucchesi, Midfield, 46g, 10a
Perkiomen Valley
League: PAC-10
Head coach: Kathy Kelley, 5th season
2015 Record: 4-9 PAC-10, 8-11 overall; Lost in first round of District 1-AAA playoffs to Great Valley 15-7
Player to watch: Christie Balestra (Senior/Attack; Lehigh University Commit)
Coach’s outlook: “The team has put in a lot of work in the off season. We had some key losses to graduation and are a young squad, but with a great core group of leaders. PV had a lot of close games in 2015 and a strong showing against our biggest rivals. We are looking to build off those lessons and turn a corner this season.”
Pope John Paul II
League: PSAC-10
Head coach: Maureen Burger, 4th season
2015 Record: 6-7 PAC-10 (second place in Frontier Division), 9-10 overall; Lost to eventual league champion Owen J. Roberts 16-8 in PAC-10 semifinals
Key Returnees/Players to watch: Abby McMenamin – Senior Midfield (15 goals, 16 assists), Monica Rapchinski – Sophomore Attack (49 goals, 6 assists);, Abbie Togno – Senior Defense, Julia Latoff – Sophomore Defense
Coach’s outlook: “We’re looking to build on last year’s success and have a winning season which includes the Final 4 again. The girls have been working hard in the off season and continue to improve.”
