Lady Sachems Looking to Retool, Win State Title

After making the state finals again last season, the girls lacrosse team graduated eight seniors — including four who are now playing college lacrosse and two more college athletes who are competing in other sports.

The group included the team's three leading scorers, including Lauren Sullivan, who owns school records for goals in a season (100), goals in a career (243), points in a game (12), points in a season (138) and points in a career (324).

But instead of worrying about those departures, coach Suzanne Ontso is looking on the bright side.

"Some big guns left us, but at the same time it creates more opportunities," Ontso said. "For us our big strength this season is having more balance. It's harder to contain a group of players versus one or two."

That depth is apparent in the midfield, starting with league all-star Maggie Connolly. The junior will lead an experienced group that includes Emy Stratton, who takes the draws; sophomore Meg Hennessey, who scored 40 goals and started every game as a freshman; and McKenzie Tucci, who had phenomenal ball skills.

The returners will be pushed by a talented group of sophomores that are already threatening for starting time.

"We need a lot of girls to step up and shoot," Ontso said. "You can't rely on one person, I need girls who can put it in the net or get out of the way."

The defense is led by co-captains Julia Breckwoldt and Michaela Chiuccariello, who is the hockey team's all-time leading scorer. Their presence will be important as junior Erin Maki replaces the graduated Suzi Stein in net.

"I think our defense will be strong," Ontso said. "Supporting a new goalie for the varsity, they have to step it up a little more."

Mackey will bring a different look to the Sachems this year — she's an agile player who isn't afraid to go out and get a loose ball.

Because of the Middlesex League schedule, Winchester has only four crossover games, but Ontso made the most of it. All four games will be against Division 1 opponents, including defending champion on April 19 and perennial power in the first week of May. The other games are against and King Phillip.

For Winchester to continue its run of five state finals in six years, the Sachems have to be prepared to take everyone's best shot again this season.

"The target's always on your back," Ontso said. "It's a good thing and a bad thing, but I think for us it's a motivator to play at a high level. We always get everybody's best game. It gets us more prepared for the tournament."

Winchester girls lacrosse

Last season: 14-9

Key players: Julia Breckwoldt, Sr., D; Michaela Chiuccariello, Sr., D; Maggie Connolly, Jr., M; Emy Stratton, C; Meg Hennessey, So., M; McKenzie Tucci, Jr., A; Erin Maki, Jr., G.

Key losses: Lauren Sullivan, M; Sara Hennessey, M; Christine Casey, M.

Outlook: While the team might not have a dominant player like Sullivan, who scored the most points in school history and is now at Notre Dame, or Hennessey, who had 99 points last year and is now at Holy Cross, the Sachems balance will still make it very tough to defend. On the other end, co-captains Breckwoldt and Chiuccariello will provide a solid defense while the new offensive players get in gear. The roster is full of athletes who can go for the entire 50 minutes, so expect Winchester to pull out a lot of games in the end.

Quote: " I need girls who can put it in the net or get out of the way." — Suzanne Ontso