“I was actually pretty surprised by the way things turned out. When you replace eight starting pitchers and go against a team of that quality, you never know what's going to happen,” Walzywak said. “A lot of the girls that were on the team last year weren't starters and didn't play in the game, but they really wanted to come out and make their mark on the game and the team in some way.”
Colgan lost All-Met Player of the Year forward Samantha DeGuzman to graduation, in addition to a number of other contributors last season.
Despite this, the Sharks (2-0) have scored multiple times in each game this season. They got goals from senior Tiana Cruz, who scored the winning goal in last year's state finals, and Kathy Villafane early in the game against Battlefield and in the season opener (a 2-0 win over the Patriots on March 11).
The defense features an entirely new backline, anchored by Chase Looney, who contributed in goal at Virginia Tech. The group conceded just three goals last season, and only one in the first two games.
The Sharks may not be the same team that won a state title in 2023, but they are off to a strong start heading into 2024.
After undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) six months ago, Erin Thompson feared she would never be the player she once was. The Woodgrove junior suffered from nerve compression in his upper body most of his life and opted for rib removal surgery in the offseason, leaving him with a difficult road to recovery.
Thompson returned Wednesday against Dominion, and by the seventh inning, any fears of him getting back to his old form were gone. Thompson hit a huge home run over the left-field fence in the final inning of the game, the highlight of the Wolverines' 12-0 victory (3-0).
Thompson became emotional as he rounded the bases. As she looks toward home plate, her teammates (players like her senior Abbey Lane and her junior Faith Barker) are cheering and waiting for her to finish her trot. I could see it.
“My teammates had my back. They helped me get through this very well,” Thompson said. “They pushed me away. They encouraged me. They helped me rehabilitate.”
Thompson's return to action in just the second game of the season was a “pleasant surprise” to Woodgrove coach Joe Spicer, who was tasked with replacing seven starters on last year's Class 5 state championship team. Thompson's home run was an undeniable one to round out her five-RBI run on the day, proving she is ready to fill the void on offense as the Wolverines compete for another state title.
“She pretty much crushed that ball,” Spicer said with a laugh.
For Broadneck tennis, winning the state title doesn't mean the experimentation with the lineup ends. The Bruins are preparing for the 2024 season and are using early scrimmages as a way to reassemble the team and find the best placement of new talent and experienced leaders.
Team captain Natalie Horsey said this is all part of the process of building the strongest lineup possible with an eye on the rematch. Last spring, Broadneck shared the Maryland 4A title with Blair and Urbana.
“It’s always exciting to see a new team and see how they develop,” Hosey said. “It's also stressful because there are always new kids coming in who can threaten your status.”
For example, after playing three seasons at No. 2 in singles, Hosey is hoping to move into a new spot in mixed doubles this year. She got her first taste of the position in Wednesday's scrimmage against La Plata, partnering with her senior Charlie Ernst. Despite it being Horsey's first time facing a male player in a team game, the duo opened the season with a resounding 6-0, 6-0 victory.
Hosey said it's a way to hone his skills against players he's never met before, adapt to a new style of play and adjust strategy with his doubles partner.
“It's definitely an adjustment, but it's really good practice, especially to raise your level as a tennis player and play against kids who hit in a completely different way than you normally do,” Hosey said. “I've tried to be a more grounded player, not get too ahead of myself and not worry too much about every point. When you play with someone, it's your responsibility and your job. I feel like that, especially when you're playing with some guys on our team who are pretty naughty and pretty energetic about the game.”
The Bruins won their first scrimmage against La Plata 7-2, but there are still questions to be answered about the lineup before their first league game against Crofton on April 3. But with a wealth of in-and-out skills, they have every intention of doing so. Repeat as 4A Champion.
The Marriott's Ridge girls lacrosse team is looking to bounce back this season. In 2021 and 2022, the Mustangs won the Maryland 3A state title.
However, last season was a difficult season. Despite mourning the death of All-Met first-team midfielder Maisie Clevenger's mother, Elizabeth, the team lost in the regional semifinals.
“I think it was an opportunity for us to reflect,” coach Amanda Brady said. She said, “There's so much more to life than the sport of lacrosse, but lacrosse gives us so much.''
Clevenger graduated and now plays at Maryland. Brady highlighted senior midfielder Chris Vaksmonski, sophomore midfielder Allison Custer and junior defender Izzy Perry as key pieces for the 2024 Mustangs.
“[Vaxmonsky is] It’s phenomenal… she’s going to give it everything she has every minute,” Brady said. ” [Custer’s] I look forward to seeing her really step up this year as she is consistent and very capable on both ends of the field. … [Perry’s] The backbone… great, great vision on the field. ”
Brady also praised new goaltender Kaylin Clousey, a junior at Saint Mary's.
“surely [we’ll] We have to find our way and find what works for us as a 2024 Marriott's Ridge Lacrosse team,” Brady said. “We're excited to figure it out along the way. The girls are working hard. Things are starting to click and we're here to have a really good, successful season.”
