Wilton Girls Roll in Lacrosse Opener

Coming off an appearance in the Division I state semifinals last year, the Wilton girls lacrosse team kicked off its 2010 season with an easy 16-3 victory over Ridgefield on Wednesday. 

Tessa Howard scored three goals for the Warriors, who opened an 8-0 lead with still four minutes remaining in the first half on an unseasonably warm evening for early April.

Amy Drummond, Kelly Rantz, Rachel Lowery and Christi Huidekper also played well for Wilton, which once again has high expectations this year.

As usual, returning co-coaches Cindy Wiseman and Ciara Thurlow expect a lot from the Warriors, who were ranked 89th in the country in 2009. Their season ended with an 11-6 loss to Darien, which went on to win its third straight state championship. 

While the Warriors lost four-year starters Kacie Johnson, Brooke Flanagan and Kyra Hansson to graduation, they return all-state performers in Drummond and  Brittany Connor.

Also back are FCIAC honorees Tessa Howard and Alexi Farmakis and talented goaltender Maddie Kratz. In addition, returning players Kelly Rantz, Lindsey Flanagan and Laura Johnson are expected to take their games to the next level.

Wilton's strengths are its defense, depth and goaltending, along with the senior class. However, it will be critical for captains Drummond and Farmakis to help new members and returning players in new positions gel together. 

Incorporating the skills of  talented freshmen Casey Pearsall, Tegan Helms and Megan Boepple also will be important if Wilton plans to live up to its legacy, which includes an average of 15 wins per season, three FCIAC finals, three berths in the state finals and one state championship over the last four years.