Lady Indians Give British Squad a Taste of American Lacrosse

The final score may have read 19-8 in favor of Franklin on a brisk Saturday afternoon at Dr. Clarence E. McWilliam Stadium, but in terms of what the game meant to the girls lacrosse team from St. Bartholomew’s School in Newbury, Berkshire England, there were no losers.

After making plans and raising money for their trip to the United States for more than two years, the St. Bart’s girls were simply thrilled to take part in the learning experience.

Not only did they see with their own eyes the different style in which lacrosse is played on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, they also witnessed firsthand just how much support and energy is dedicated to the sport.

“It’s really intense,” said St. Bart’s captain Jocelyn Nuttall, referring to Franklin’s overall game atmosphere, including the stadium’s scoreboard, bleachers and music.

Nuttall said she and the other St. Bart’s players were amazed at the sheer popularity of the sport, given its lack of regard in England.

“If I asked any person in England, most of them wouldn’t know what lacrosse is,” Nuttall said. “It’s not played in younger schools. It starts in high school, so kids don’t know what it is. If they aren’t in private school then they are oblivious to it.”

 St. Bart’s coach Teresa Whitmore echoed the sentiments of her players.

“There seems to be a lot more interest in the game over here,” Whitmore said. “We play matches and things, but it seems to be a bigger thing [in the U.S.] and they put more into it, and their coaches are really into the game.”

Whitmore and her players also took note of the differing styles of play between the two teams—adding that the approaches will more than likely merge as more American coaches travel to Europe to spread their knowledge of the game.

The American style consists of a more planned point of attack with plays set up from the beginning, whereas the British approach emphasizes more of a transition attack. 

Regardless of the style, Franklin assistant coach Dee Mullineaux was extremely pleased with the talent and effort from the St. Bart’s side, considering the last time her team scrimmaged a British squad in 2004 there was a large gap in the skill sets.

“I was so excited that their skill level was more advanced. And, they gave us a good game I thought,” said Mullineaux, whose Indians actually only led 5-4 with under 10 minutes to play in the first half.

“I think they really hustled. I think a couple points they outhustled us and a couple points we outhustled them. I was very happy with the game and the girls seemed to get along pretty good.”  

As far as the game itself, senior Rae Robinson and junior Sarah Rybek led the Indians with five goals each.

For St. Bart’s, Nuttall and Annie Miller each netted two scores, while Phoebe Dace, Lizzie Swallow, Megan Prudden and Prianka Mistry all added one.

Both Chelsea Weinstein (Franklin) and Stacey Clough (St. Bart’s) came up big for their respective squads on several occasions in goal.

With the game in the books, Nuttall says her team is very excited for the Orioles “baseball match” tomorrow and the Baltimore Aquarium on Monday.

However, she also pointed out how her team has taken the learning experience sincerely and is looking forward to getting to know their American counterparts even better.

“You want to play hard. You don’t want to just mess around. It’s good to play hard so it’s easier to learn,” Nuttall said. “It’s been really nice. And, it was nice to meet them [before the game] because they are quite friendly. It’s a different game, but we really enjoyed it.”