KP Girls Lacrosse Looking to Tournament

After having previously been the King Philip girl’s junior varsity lacrosse coach, Kourtnie Wilder inherited the varsity team this spring. The Warriors went 8-10 last year and found themselves in the Division 1 East Tournament with the twelfth and final seed. Despite that last place seeding, King Philip went on to upset Acton-Boxboro and Lexington before bowing to neighboring Franklin in the semifinals.
Despite picking up two wins in the state tournament last year, Wilder is looking for better results this spring.
“As the first year varsity coach I’m looking to definitely better our record and make it into the playoffs with much better results,” the new coach said. “I don’t want to barely make it in like they did last year.”
After working extremely hard in the off-season the Warriors jumped out fast, opening the season with six straight wins before losing back to back games to Walpole and Franklin. “Against Walpole the girls played scared and it wasn’t even close,” Wilder said. “They have since readjusted and have their confidence back and are looking to take it out on someone.”
Looking to keep the Warriors’ train moving in a positive way are senior captains Katie Crowther, Christina Hathaway, and Izzy Argicola. While Hathaway and Agricola lead the defensive squad with vocal leadership and intimidation, Crowther was supposed to be the team’s go-to scorer.
“Katie tore her ACL and unfortunately is done for the season,” Wilder said. “She was our top returning scorer, but now that she is done the other girls are going to have to step it up and score if we’re going to continue to be successful. They have the talent, they just need to believe in themselves.”
The first year varsity coach will also be looking for the captains to relay her message to the rest of the team and keep them focused while working together to improve upon their run through the playoffs.
Junior midfielder Caroline Klim, not used to being a big scoring threat, has picked up her game this year and is the Warrior’s leading goal scorer and one of the top ten scorers in the Hockomock League.
Aiding Klim in the middle of the field will be juniors Alli Meehan and Dana Truini. Wilder will be relying heavily on the two girls to play both offensively and defensively while being consistent athletes on the field in all that they do. The coach also is looking for them to continue being big on draws, transition play, and putting the ball in the net. Sophomore attacker Jess Sullivan has occasionally found the back of the net and the Warrior coach sees her moving forward and eventually coming into her own on the field.
King Philip’s biggest strength on the field is their defense, which is heavily laden with seniors. Junior keeper Caroline Watson will be the team’s last line of defense. The three-year starter has been playing really well this season and the coach is looking for her to continue her strong play.
Getting off to a good start is just what the new coach was hoping for in her inaugural season with the varsity squad. “I’m not surprised at our quick start. I think I’m more pleased with what they have accomplished so far,” Wilder said. “But we still believe we haven’t played our best yet.”
King Philip has posted more wins than last season and has already qualified for the state tournament. If things continue as they have the Warriors should have no problems eclipsing Wilder’s expectations.