Unsung Hero: GLAX Defender Erin Mensch

Potential leads one to believe that the Spring-Ford girls lacrosse team could do big things in 2012-13. Coming back with most of the girls, the Rams have aspirations of a PAC-10 title and getting past the first round of districts.

One of the key players on next year's squad will have to be Erin Mensch. Mensch earned First Team All PAC-10 honors her sophomore year with the team as well as this year. She's the undisputed leader of the defense.

"Erin lead the defense through her communication skills," said head coach Amy Short. "She is strong and confident both on and off the field. She takes charges and often gets pretty beat up out there."

Mensch was happy to receive honors from her coach, who has inspired her career. She agreed that she is a leader on the team.

"I think it's just my personality," Mensch said. "I like to help people out and it comes natural to me. I like to help people and direct them in a positive way. I want to overall help our team to be successful. We have a defensive leader and an offensive leader and on defense, I think I fit that role."

All too many times, Rams fans have seen Mensch take possession of the ball on defense and begin her sprint down the field with hopes of dropping one in the back of the net to help the Rams out.

However, Mensch didn't really know how to describe her signature move.

"I just get in the zone, I guess," she said. "If we need a goal, I try to take it and help our team out."

Next year, Mensch shares the goal of hoping for a PAC-10 title, but will very much miss some of the senior leaders from this year's team. will be off to play at the University of Massachusetts, while goalie Cassidy Novotny will play at Lock Haven.

"Maddie is one of my best friends," Mensch said. "She's really helped me along. She's pushing me and helped me be the best that I can. She's been a big role model. Cass, I work with her all the time because of being on defense. We communicate with each other really well both on and off the field. They're both great and it's going to stink next year not having them. We'll definitely miss them."

Mensch is looking to play at the collegiate level too. She's visited plenty of schools, but has narrowed her choices down to Division III York College and Division II Bloomsburg University.

She wants to pursue a career in nursing and will concentrate on her academics heavily while keeping a "low key lacrosse career."

As for the here and now, Mensch is optimistic about next year's team.

"I hope we have a great season next year and I'm honored to play on the team because we're a great group of girls with great chemistry," she said. "I've got a positive attitude for next year and hope for the best."

Short concluded highlighting Mensch's drive to win.

"She is passionate about lacrosse, winning, and working together as a team," Short said. "She works hard and is a very determined young woman."