The Franklin High girls’ lacrosse team is on a mission.
The Panthers have qualified for tourney play in all five seasons that Kristin Igoe has coached the squad, and in 2014 and 2016, Franklin advanced as far as the state semifinals after winning the Division 1 East Sectional crown. The team’s primary goal this spring is to get to the state finals.
“It’s a lofty objective, but it’s realistic,’’ Igoe said. “We’ve got the talent and the leadership qualities to battle for a state championship.’’
The Panthers may be young (only four seniors) but they’ve got a plethora of strengths. The girls are athletic, skilled, and experienced. They’re also strong in goal and on defense, and their team chemistry is a major asset. Igoe, who was a four-time Atlantic Coast Conference all-star when she played at Boston College, likes her team’s achievements so far — a 15-1 record at Local Town Pages deadline and another Kelley-Rex Division title in the Hockomock League.
“This year’s team is aggressive, cohesive and committed to playing strong defense,’’ she noted. “We’re also a squad that relies on a high lacrosse IQ.’’
Franklin’s freshman goalie, Gianna Cameron, is a huge plus in the Panthers’ defensive alignment. In a span of 16 games, she’s compiled a goals-against average of 5.1 and a save percentage of 63.2.
“Gianna plays lacrosse year-round and she wants to play at a Division 1 college,’’ Igoe said. “Her lacrosse IQ is high. She’s instinctive, uses her glove and stick skillfully and reacts to situations in a positive way.’’
A trio of defenders — senior captains Dana Lewandowski and Grace McDermott and junior Grace MacCallum — are key cogs who limit the pressure on Cameron. Lewandowski will play in college at Bentley and McDermott will play at Assumption.
“Dana is a second-year starter who passes well and gets to ground balls,’’ Igoe said. “She’s a smart player who’s very quick. Grace (McDermott) is aggressive, instinctive and has good field awareness. She’s also quick. Grace (MacCallum) makes big plays. Able to intercept the ball often, she’s a smart, intelligent player.’’
A pair of sisters, sophomore Annie Walsh, who has verbally committed to play at Boston College, and freshman Erin Walsh, are capable midfielders. Annie has 47 goals and 9 assists while Erin isn’t far behind with 33 goals and 10 assists. “Annie plays year-round,’’ Igoe said. “She’s quick, aggressive, has strong hands and dodges well. Erin also plays year-round. Her stick skills are good, she’s quick and she uses her hands effectively. Both have a high lacrosse IQ.’’
Freshman Kelsey MacCallum, who plays midfield and attack, has worked her way into the starting lineup and has been a pleasant surprise. She’s scored 23 goals. “Kelsey works hard and is very coachable,’’ Igoe said.
Senior captains Kendall Reardon and Caroline Lounsbury and junior Jordan Jette give Franklin plenty of offensive clout as attackers. Reardon has 21 goals and 7 assists; Lounsbury has 25 goals and Jette has scored 13 goals and assisted on 26 others.
“Kendall is a quiet leader who’s aggressive and quick around the crease,’’ Igoe said. “Her speed enables her to win a lot of ground balls. If she makes an error, she recovers quickly. Caroline, who’ll play at Franklin Pierce, is a strong leader who inspires teammates. She cuts effectively to beat opponents, she’s aggressive and her stick skills are solid. Jordan has exceptional field vision, has a hard shot and is very skilled. A good passer, she’s a very instinctive player.’’
The 27-year-old Igoe is quick to laud the efforts of everyone on her roster. Having changed her lineup on many occasions, she emphasizes that “our reserves are dependable, and everyone is fulfilling their roles.’’
Franklin has been a dominant force in girls’ lacrosse primarily because of the attributes Igoe prefers when she’s assembling a roster. Athleticism, stick skills and physical fitness are crucial but motivation also is high on her list. “Girls that have passion for the sport and are motivated to excel play a big role in being successful,’’ she emphasized.
Igoe’s coaching philosophy focuses on competing hard to win, striving to reach one’s potential and playing sports for enjoyment. “I’m a competitor, and I want to win, but learning is always ongoing,’’ she said. “It’s imperative to keep learning the game if you want to improve.’’
The tourney is about to start, and Igoe believes that if her forces are to experience success again, three ingredients are necessary. “They must be physically and mentally ready, they must be healthy, and their technique and skills have to mesh,’’ she noted.
Let the games begin.
Issue Date:
June, 2017
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