Building on its performance from last year will serve to inspire the Joel Barlow High girls varsity lacrosse team as it prepares to start the 2024 season.
While the Falcons qualified for both the South-West Conference playoffs as well as the state Class M tournament, they not only hope to go further in each this time around but to contend for the championships as well.
“We played a lot of close-scoring competitive games last season and we lost a handful of those games by one (goal),” said Barlow head coach Melissa Sportini. “We are focused this year on closing out our games.”
With 40 players in the program (19 on varsity), the Falcons have the numbers. Head coach Melissa Sportini also feels her team not only has the experience but leadership as well.
“We are returning a lot of our scoring power from last season so I expect our offense to pick up where it left off,” said Sportini. “We also return three starting defenders.”
Finishing with a 10-8 record last season, the Falcons qualified for the SWC playoffs, losing to New Fairfield. They were later upset by Branford in the first round of the Class M tournament.
The Falcons graduated some key players since then, including All-State All-South-West Conference goalie Drew Ann Williams. Marin Kalamaras (All-state second team, All-Patriot Division) is missing from the midfield and Olivia Jones (All-Patriot honorable mention), who was on attack, has also graduated.
In addition, Barlow lost midfielder Allison Wick (All-SWC), who transferred to boarding school.
Fortunately for Barlow, it has a number of varsity players coming back. A slightly more mature team, it has seven seniors.
Four are captains Elyssa Kalamaras, Carmindy Herrman, Madi Stietzel and Avery Santangeli. Kalamaras, who missed part of the season after getting sidelined due to a knee injury, will be back on attack. Herrman, Stietzel and Santangeli will anchor the defense.
Barlow will have much experience on attack with seniors Savannah Herrman and Julia Champagne, both All-Patriot selections. The former led Barlow in points (goals and assists) last year and the latter led in goals. Also on attack is Daniela Catterino.
The Falcons also have a number of athletic juniors who will fill key positions. These include midfielders Allie Ogden, Helena Zima and Maggie Valenti, who could also play on defense.
Ruby Ludwig returns on attack and Ella Hotchkiss will take over for Marin Kalamaras on defense. Taking over for Williams in goal is Isabella Sgritta.
Barlow also has one freshman who will see varsity time. Caroline Lippoth will be in the midfield.
Once again, the SWC will feature a number of competitive teams, including defending champ Newtown, defending Class S champ Weston, New Fairfield, Pomperaug and Masuk. Come playoff time, Sportini expects her team to be right there along with them.
“I felt we under performed in the playoffs last year,” she said. “We are focused this season on staying the course and winning in the post-season.”
Barlow defeated Watertown 17-3 in the season-opener on March 30.
The team’s schedule for can be accessed on the CIAC website.
