The KO girls varsity lacrosse team, starting with a 1-5 record in the early season, has faced challenges against strong opponents but remains hopeful for a season marked by progress, resilience, and dedication.
The team’s resilience has shone despite beginning the season with some difficult losses. “We have to be playing with good sportsmanship, playing to the best of our abilities at all times and giving our best effort, doing what we can to control what we can when we’re out on the field,” Head Coach Judy Bailey said.
She explained that if her players can get 1% better every game or practice, it’s considered a victory from her perspective. Staying positive and fostering growth is the most important focus for this developing team.“I am relatively new to the sport, and the team has been very welcoming and supportive as I learn the ins and outs of the game,” junior defender Daniela Tippner said. That’s what the team is all about, and with a varying range of experience, fostering a positive and accommodating environment is key.
Something the team prides itself on is their work ethic and team dynamic. Repeatedly dealing with losses can be defeating, but this team doesn’t let it get them down. “We always put everything we have out on the field,” senior Captain and midfielder Kami Tarantino said. “Even though the score might not be in our favor, we always continue to play our hardest.”
The attitude of a team can also make or break a season, and the KO girls lacrosse team’s attitude makes them who they are. Coach Bailey proudly shared her team’s biggest strength.“The willingness of the players to keep working every day at getting better individually and as a team, and their positivity throughout.” When asked what the team’s biggest weakness was, Coach Bailey shared that she doesn’t like the word weakness, but rather “biggest challenge.” “Having girls with limited or no experience at the varsity level can be hard when you play only varsity teams,” she said. “Ultimately, playing up and out of their comfort zone, though challenging right now, will help to develop their ability to play and benefit the program moving forward.”
The team’s motto, “Be the ant,” embodies the collective strength and resilience of these girls. Like ants, they may not possess immense individual strength, yet when united, they exhibit remarkable power. Just as ants tackle large tasks they cannot manage alone, these girls work tirelessly, persisting to complete tasks they can only complete together.
Tarantino, a powerhouse on the team, leads by example, driving her teammates forward with her positivity and unwavering support. “As a leader, everyone looks up to her,” Coach Bailey said. “She comes out, gives her best every single day, never misses.”
Among the leaders on the team, senior defender Ashley Neikrie stands out with her growing defensive skills. She is relatively new to the sport, but has constantly been improving her skills, and is becoming quite a strong player.
The midfield boasts a formidable line with freshman Marin Backer, junior Olivia Schaller, and junior Addisen Nicholson each bringing their unique strengths to the field. Sophomore goalie Sarah Balog’s growth and confidence are evident in goal, making her a large presence on the field. It’s a testament to the team’s dedication and progress from inexperienced to seasoned players all working together towards victory.
The girls worked their way to victory on Saturday, April 20th celebrating their first win of the season against Miss Hall’s School. Winning 14-9 despite a rocky start to the game. The Wyverns found themselves down four goals in the first two minutes of the game. Coach Bailey called a timeout and collected her players. Making a quick turn around the girls tied it up and then took the lead. Tarantino, midfielders junior Ella Wilson, and Freshman Scarlett Bourgoin were the lead scorers of the game leading their team to victory.
The girls team has some intense matchups coming up. On Monday, April 22 they will take on a fiercely competitive Wooster team. They’ll need to dig deep and stay focused to keep a close game. On Wednesday, April 24, they will face off against The Frederick Gun School in what promises to be an adrenaline-pumping game. Hoping to keep the scores close the Wyverns must have all hands on deck, staying sharp and playing together to claim a well-deserved victory.
