Girls Lacrosse: End of Season Review

It truly was a historic season for Lakeland/Panas (19-3) as it became the first team in program history to reach the state finals, where it put up a tough fight for the Class A state title, but lost 6-5 to Farmingdale.

"It happened this year due to a bunch of committed athletes, some great players and kids stepping up on the grand stage," Lakeland/Panas Head Coach Sharon Sarsen said of their success. "They played their hearts out."

The Rebels also added to their legacy with the win of a fourth consecutive Section 1 championship.

"Playing in the New York State Championship game really continues to keep the reputation of our program at a very high level," Sarsen said.  "We are proud of our accomplishments and even prouder of the tradition of Lakeland/Panas girls lacrosse."

The anchor of the team is senior goalie and four-year starter Alex Fitzpatrick, who for the second year in a row was named All-American.

She holds the school record of 694 career saves, including 185 this year.

"From a goalie's standpoint she communicates and directs," Sarsen said. "She is a great shot blocker and great with clearing the ball and decision making outside the cage. She played great lacrosse under the most pressure. She steps up big time year after year. She also inspires our younger players to take risks, set goals and work hard. That really helps our future."

Another person who set a great example for the younger Rebels was senior Bridget McGovern, who was named All-American for her stellar defensive play. The four-year varsity player McGovern is an exceptional three-sport athlete who played in three state championship games this school year in field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. 

"She had an exceptional year defensively and is truly our leader on the field," Sarsen said. "She takes draws, matches up on key opponents and runs the defense on the field.  She is instrumental on our clear."

Earning All-Section were senior attack Kelsey Bub (62 goals, 14 assists,), senior attack Casandra Honovich (73 goals, 18 assists) and junior midfielder Anna Jeszeck (36 goals, 33 assists).  Sophomore midfielder/defense Emma Bozek (23 goals, 21 assists) was named All-Elite; and All-Elite honorable mention went to junior midfielder/defense Melissa Hanson (eight goals, 16 assists).

Another key player for the Rebels was senior Kristin Pappalardo, who contributed 30 goals and 27 assists from her attack position.

The players' success is due to their athletic abilities, hard work and commitment to the sport, coach Sarsen said.

"Our program will continue to do our best to compete for a championship every year," Sarsen said. "We hope the younger kids realize the commitment and work necessary to retain this level of play."

Yorktown (13-6) has also had a high level of play through the years. It holds four state championship titles in its history and was in the state finals a year ago.

Although the Huskers lost five seniors who went on to play Division I lacrosse in college from that squad, that didn't prevent them from reaching the Section 1 Class B finals this spring.

"I thought we were inconsistent," Yorktown coach Ellen Mager said. "We had our good moments and we had our bad ones."

Leading the way for Yorktown was junior midfielder Lindsay Scott (72 goals, 17 assists), who was named All-American and  has already committed to play at the University of North Carolina.

"Lindsay had a strong year," Mager said. "She was always the one opponents were looking for. What she has to learn now is when to go with it and when to pass."

Earning all-section honors were senior attack Bridget Sickles (31 goals, 60 assists), senior attack Gabrielle Veteri (37 goals, seven assists), junior midfielder Sarah Scott (32 goals, nine assists), and junior Aileen Kurpis, who plays defense.

Senior Kelly Harris and junior Marissa Makar, who both also play defense, were named all-elite honorable mention.

"I felt very happy about the selections that were made on our team," Mager said. "Those kids led our team on offense and defense and they are high quality players when you compare them to kids on other teams."

Veteri and Kurpis were named Academic All-Americans and Veteri also was named to the Section 1's Golden Dozen, an award that combines academic and athletic excellence.

"They set a great example for the other kids," Mager said.

Junior attack Katy Cartelli (23 goals, 13 assists), junior attack Nicole Fioretti (10 goals, three assists), sophomore midfielder Bianca Raniolo (11 goals, 12 assists) and freshman midfielder Gabrielle Berne (11 goals, one assist) also had solid years for the Huskers.