Spring Sports Preview: Fox Lane Girls Lacrosse

This season's schedule may be the toughest the Fox Lane girls lacrosse team has ever faced. The Foxes weren't even in the power league last year, but now they're looking at a league that includes perennial sectional finalists like John Jay, Rye and Greeley. The added level of competition has served as a motivator through the offseason.

"It was a wake-up call — we really need to step up and play like these teams," star Lindsay Toppe said. "We can't just get away with playing throwing the ball away and not really being crisp and concise with everything we do. It's pushing us to practice even harder and make sure we're at the
top of our game."

Fox Lane knows it can compete on the offensive end. Led by Toppe, who broke the 100-goal barrier last season, and Sammy Jo Tracy, who had more than 60 goals last year as a freshman, the Foxes have one of the strongest offenses in the area.

"We scrimmaged on Long Island and in Connecticut, and we had no problem scoring," coach Bill Broggy said.

Toppe, a junior, is a powerful and explosive player. She's great at using cuts and angles to create separation from defenders, and she isn't resting on last season's accomplishments.

"I think personally it's just about trying new things," Toppe said. "Maybe throw in a behind-the-back shot, definitely just mix it up and be creative, work on different passes and moves so I can have a really versatile game."

Tracy, a sophomore, can keep the ball in her stick seemingly forever — in a preseason scrimmage against Staples (CT), she was able to dodge four defenders at once.

"Her skill level is ridiculous," Broggy said. Joining them in the midfield are another pair of tremendous athletes — freshmen Kailey O'Hagan and Kate Burbank — who both played varsity soccer while in middle school.

The attack has a trio of players with varsity experience — returning starter and senior Lauren DiChiara and sophomores Lexi Cannon and Sydney Stern.

The offense scored 16 goals in its first game last week against Clarkstown South. Toppe credits Broggy for putting everyone in the best position to succeed, and for repeating plays in practice.

Meanwhile, Broggy credits the team's offseason commitment, including winter leagues and a 10-week program through Blue Streak Sports Training in Stamford.

"We worked hard together since November," Broggy said. The focus right now is on defense. Goalie Jenn Pollock is a three-year starter, and on defense senior Kerry Bretti, juniors Aly Dowey and Nellie Mitchell and sophomore Sophie Ohler are all returning.

"We have a really strong team this year," Toppe said. "Our freshman have stepped up and I think overall our stick skills have improved. As long as we make sure we're patient on offense we can have a great season."

Editor's Note: The original version of this story had Kailey O'Hagan spelled as "Cailey O'Hagan." It has since been addressed.