Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/30/16
Staff Report
Julia Hondros (Episcopal Academy ’16, Brown ’20) and Kate White (Agnes Irwin School, ’16 Dartmouth ’20) represented Team Heather Leigh Albert at the 2016 Vail Lacrosse Shoot Out.
Team HLA, competing in the High School Gold Bracket, lost to Heroes 2017 in the championship game 9-8 on a last second goal. Team HLA was undefeated through pool play, beating Les Diablos Bleu 9-8, the Farm Team, 12-8, and the eventual champion, Heros 2017, 12-9. They defeated Stars 2020 in the quarter final 19-4 and the Farm Team 17-8 in the semi-final.
Team HLA is selected by the HLA Foundation from elite players across the country. The team was coached by St. Steohens & St. Agnes coach Kathy Jenkins, Celine Cunningham, and Sean Albert. The HLA Foundation (www.hla-foundation.com) honors Heather Leigh Albert (1972-1993) and was created to extend the lacrosse experience to female players across the nation.
“Representing HLA was a great experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything”, said Hondros, who had a goal in the championship game. “Playing top competition with a strong team really opened my eyes to how the game is supposed to be played. It was a great feeling being able to represent HLA and the Albert family at the tournament. “
Team HLA midfielder Ally Mastroianni (Bridgewater-Raritan ’17, UNC ‘21) was named the tournament MVP and was joined on the All-Tournament team by HLA teammates Sheila Rietano (Potomac School, MS ’16, Boston College ’20) and Halle Graham (Our Lady of Good Counsel ’17, UVA ’21).
“Coach Albert told us that we need to always remember to look over our shoulder and give back to the game, the way the Albert family has done for so many years”, said White, who led Team HLA in ground balls. “Playing in this incredible setting was an amazing experience and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to wear the HLA uniform.”
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