Published in the May 30, 2018 edition
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — The WMHS girls’ lacrosse team ended their season on a high note as they defeated Saugus, 20-5 at Landrigran Field on Tuesday, May 22.
The win was especially special for a group of eight seniors who made sure their last game together was one they would never forget.
The Warriors held a nice pre-game ceremony to thank the outgoing seniors: Julianne D’Ambrosio, Lizzie Finn, Morgan Haggerty, Olivia Tremblay, Alyssa Vacca and tri-captains Julia Brown, Meg Foley and Courtney Hill.
“The seniors were a good group of girls who I enjoyed coaching,” said head coach Cara Luca. “I have seen them evolve since they were freshman into great lacrosse players. Each one is special and contributed to the team in their own way.”
WAKEFIELD’s seniors were celebrated before their win over Saugus to end the season on May 22 at Landrigan Field. The seniors, pictured from left to right, are Lizzie Finn, Morgan Haggerty, Meg Foley, Julia Brown, Courtney Hill, Olivia Tremblay, Julianne D’Ambrosio and Alyssa Vacca.
The seniors certainly led the charge against Saugus, as every single one accounted for at least one goal.
Courtney Hill had three goals and four assists to lead the Wakefield offense. The three-sport athlete also had nine draw controls and scooped up two ground balls during her last game as a Warrior.
Brown had two goals and two assists, a draw control and two ground balls.
Foley scored two goals.
Haggerty scored three goals.
Vacca had three assists and a goal.
Tremblay had two goals and an assist.
Finn scored a goal and had six ground balls, while D’Ambrosio played great defense and added a goal.
In the end, it was certainly a special night for a group that earned it after a tough season in which the Warriors won five games.
“It was good to end the season on a win,” said Luca. “The Middlesex league is a tough league to be in. We also played non league games that were very competitive.”
Most fans won’t remember what a specific team’s record was, but will recall what a senior class was like and this group is certainly one with plenty of toughness, sportsmanship and leadership.
As for next season, Luca hopes the underclassmen have learned what it takes to compete in a top-notch league.
“Looking forward, we lose eight seniors but have thirteen returning varsity players,” said Luca. “We have a lot to work on to get ready for next season. The girls will be working in the offseason to keep up with their stick skills.”
Wakefield had plenty of underclassmen step up this season and will be important contributors in the years to come.
Against Saugus, junior Brooke Lilley had two goals and an assist. Junior Laura Keegan scored a goal and had two ground balls. Sophomore Sarah Melanson had an assist and three ground balls. Junior Katherine Maloney and sophomore Annabella Forziati each had a goal, and juniors Sarah Junta and Julia Michaud each had an assist.
Luca also wanted to emphasize the excellent work of the the JV and freshman teams, who “worked hard and progressed well throughout the season.”
