Tigers Girls' Lacrosse Thrived By Respecting Their 'Elders'

While freshmen, sophomores and juniors unquestionably played pivotal roles in the success of the girls’ lacrosse team this spring, the upstart underclassmen greatly benefited from the experience and wisdom of their “elders.”

Seniors Megan Raposa and Alexandra Azevedo both lent four years of lacrosse seasoning to their “young’uns” this year and the knowledge and expertise they imparted paid off early Saturday evening at Rhode Island College in Providence last weekend when the Tigers bested Lincoln High School, 12-8, in the . The victory climaxed a perfect 17-0 campaign for Tiverton and earned the youthful girls’ lacrosse programs – just five years into existence – its first state crown.

Juniors Jackie Carmichael, Kara Lotz, Kate Karzenski, Alexandra Corr, Emily Costa and Sarah Mauricio along with sophomores Samantha Welchman, Olivia Bergandy, Maya Bergandy, Jackie Wilson, Marini Burk, Elise Daglis, Nicole DeLuca and Mae Edwards plus freshmen Kate Caraveo and Rebecca Turner all significantly contributed to the Tigers’ title run this spring. However, without the presence of Raposa and Azevedo, Tiverton’s championship prospects may have evaporated earlier on the playoff trail.

After guiding the Tigers to the Division II-South crown, Raposa and Azevedo sparked playoff wins against Cranston East High School and Cumberland High School, earning Tiverton a berth in Saturday’s title clash against high-scoring Lincoln. Just 26 seconds after the opening face-off, Raposa netted the first of her four goals, the Tigers never trailed, and Azevedo knocked aside 12 shots to preserve the epic triumph.

For her efforts, Raposa was named “Most Valuable Player” of the title contest, but that designation could have easily been accorded to Azevedo as well. While basking in the glow of a championship success in her rookie season following Saturday’s match, Coach Emily DuBreil was quick to single out the two seniors.

“Megan has been great all season,” DuBreil said. “She likes to get it done and she’s been a great player for us all season long. Alex has come through in goal for us all season with some great saves and we wouldn’t be here tonight without her.”

Amen. Saturday marked the close of four-year lacrosse careers at Tiverton for Raposa and Azevedo, who have been major parts of the Tigers’ rise to prominence in Rhode Island.

When Raposa and Azevedo were freshmen in 2008, Tiverton finished 5-8 in Division II after a first-round playoff loss to Scituate High School. In 2009, they helped Tiverton to a 10-3 record and its first-ever playoff victory, 7-5, over North Providence High School. Last year, they were key contributors to the Tigers’ 7-5 campaign and a lopsided playoff loss to North Providence.

Then came this season. DuBreil adeptly integrated the bulk of the squad – the underclassmen – into a cohesive and powerful unit, while relying heavily on Raposa and Azevedo to provide leadership and direction. The plan literally worked to perfection.

“In past years, we had girls join the team and then quit, but this year was the first year that we finally had a consistent team for the whole season,” Raposa said. “We got used to working and playing together and I think that’s what really brought us together this year.”

“I came into this season not knowing what to expect with a new coach,” Azevedo said. “We pulled it together this year and I think that’s why we were so successful.”

Raposa and Azevedo will be the lone Tigers donning graduation attire this month and will continue their formal education next year. Raposa will attend Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, N.H., while Azevedo will head to the University of Rhode Island.

For the rest of their lives, Raposa and Azevedo will likely reflect on a magical senior lacrosse season at Tiverton when they helped also-rans evolve into title-holders.

“I’m just so proud of our team,” Raposa said after Saturday’s contest. “They’re so great.”

And because of Raposa and Azevedo, they are also state champions.