Sports

Girls Lacrosse sets sights on the championship

Christian Marvin
April 10, 2013

There is little room for the girls lacrosse team to improve after an impressive season, second place in State last year, but that will not stop the team from setting high goals.

This season the team looks to pick up where they left off, and have set its sights on the championship. Last season, the lacrosse team came close to its current goal, falling to Lake Oswego in the championship game, 15-13. This year, the roster is almost the same. Only three players did not return; Hayley Shepherd and Hannah Weber graduated and Alexis DaHarb, junior, moved to Colorado. Megan Elston, head coach, is confident in the new skill and leadership on the team to fill the gap left from last season, and make them a championship team.

Elston emphasizes the great overall talent she sees on the team from both new and experienced varsity players. The team brought on six new players, including two freshmen this season. She also said that the pace of the practices has become much more intense in order to help the team improve the most.

“We are constantly trying to keep the pace of our practices as game-like as possible. That is always the best way improve in terms of game sense,” Elston said.

Along with the skill she sees on the team, Elston is also impressed with the leadership from her players. “I have great leadership in all of my seniors: Tara Sonnemaker, Kayla Bouchard, Annie Longtain, Megan Longtain, [and] Kendall Cheever, and also my junior captain, Mariah Gatti.” Elston thinks that it is essential for the team leaders to be an example on the field to inspire the other players as well as working to keep the team focused throughout the season.

Elston also believes that having players from last season in leadership roles will inspire the team even more to reach their goal of the championship. “…there’s a certain drive that comes with getting so close last year…the team really wants a state championship.”

So far this season the team has played three games. They won their first two against Sherwood, 13-2, and against Wilsonville, 12-4. They lost their most recent game against the reigning champions Lake Oswego, 8-5.

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About the Contributor

Christian Marvin, Athletics Co-Editor

He aims, he shoots, he scores – basketball is one of many activities that Christian Marvin, junior and Athletics Editor, has an affinity for. In fact, a life full of friends, church and sports is one that he leads daily. With his hands full of engaging activities, in and out of school, Marvin looks forward to an exciting year.

This school year, Marvin has a full schedule on his hands. Physics is his favorite class because it is less rigorous than a handful of his other AP and Honors classes. He enjoys being on Amplifier because he “likes to write and there’s always something to do”.

Though he does not know exactly what path to take in the future, he does know that he wants to try his best in high school and start from there.

“I’m really want to get good grades this year, especially because I’m taking some hard classes,” Marvin said. “I also want to be more involved in service projects too.” At home, Marvin prefers to eat, relax and then do homework. He and his sister have two fish: Marvin’s is Flo, and his sister’s is King Triton. Despite his busy schedule, Marvin always finds time to spend for himself and with his family. Marvin enjoys eating chicken alfredo and drinking root beer and Dr. Pepper as well.

Out of school and home, Marvin is an avid participator in his church. Every Sunday, he teaches kindergarten at church, and attends youth group every Wednesday. In addition, Marvin also goes to Night Strike, a program in which he feeds homeless in downtown Portland.

“I like getting to play with the kids and teaching them,” Marvin said. “The kids are really fun and I like getting to know them.”

As for the sports aspect of his life, Marvin plays basketball. He prefers not to play on a school basketball team, but rather plays for enjoyment. Marvin’s specialty is shooting half-court shots and dunking on a ten foot net. He enjoys playing with friends because it is more fun, and there is a friendly competition.

Marvin hopes to complete his junior year and enjoy his last year in high school. He believes that can get through his high school life with the help of his family and friends. In all aspects of his life, he hopes to be successful and take the next step of his life.