Medford High girls lacrosse team caps record-breaking season
It was certainly a year for the record books for the Medford High girls lacrosse team.
It was certainly a year for the record books for the Medford High girls lacrosse team.
Fresh off a record-setting 18-2 regular season run, including an undefeated 12-0 mark in the Greater Boston League, the Mustangs trailblazed its way to its first GBL title since 2016.
And nothing, not even an early exit in the MIAA State Tournament can ever take that away from them.
“It felt like this season was a dream,” said second year coach Bianca Passacantilli. “We were winning all these games, and it was crazy how many records we broke this year. We haven’t made it into the state tournament since 2015, so it was also our first tournament appearance in 10 years.”
The team’s lone speed bump occurred in postseason play. The No. 33 Mustangs lost to No. 32 Arlington, 19-4, in the Division 1 Prelims.
“We started the game off really strong and scored the first goal,” said Passacantilli. “But at the end of the day, the speed and stick skills of Arlington got the best of us.”
Despite the setback, Medford still had plenty to celebrate, after getting the program back on track.
From the moment the team dropped the ball at the inaugural Tufts Classic, the Mustangs were all business, going unbeaten at home, while nearly doubling their previous regular season wins mark of 10, set in 2010.
An early regulation win against Stoneham was an early indicator that this team was special.
“I knew that we were onto something,” said the coach. “Stoneham beat us last year by 10, and we were able to win this year by two goals. Our defense was phenomenal and truly helped us win the game.”
It was a great return to form for the squad, which ended 2024 at 8-11, just missing a postseason berth.
“We were two wins away from making the tournament,” she recalled. “I think we had that in our minds as this season started. We knew what it felt like to not make the tournament. That was obviously one of our main goals this year.”
This year’s team appeared determined from the outset.
“Everyone was much more on the same page wanting to make it to the tournament,” said Passacantilli. “On a team like this you can’t just rely on one person. We worked on using each other strengths to get the ball down the field and score. It came by playing as one as a team.”
Leading the way for the Mustangs this season were quad-captains Lily Morris, Gia Russo, Becky Casey and Ryleigh Allen. A senior attack, Morris collected her 100th career goal this season, fueling the offense alongside Russo. Junior midfielder Becky Casey also had a nose for the net collecting her 200th goal this season. Meanwhile, junior goaltender Ryleigh Allen displayed grace under pressure recording her 200th career save by the time of the state tournament.
The quartet fronted a solid ensemble which included a pair of blue chip prospects on the rise. Flashy freshman midfielder Erin Alves dominated draw controls, corralling 64 goals this season. Her most memorable moment occurred in a game against archrivals Malden, scoring a game-high 10 goals off 10 shots. Freshman midfielder Siena Fauci also showcased her tremendous acceleration in the offensive zone.
“Siena’s speed really helped us in transitions and helped cause forced turnovers from other teams,” said Passacantilli.
Both players are expected to lead the next wave in 2025
Seniors Tatum Boudreau, Mykenna Galluzzo, Sophia Ismail and Ava Lavoie, were also keys cogs to the Mustangs success.
“I had two seniors on defense that really helped shape some games and help with the winning streak,” said Passacantilli. “We were playing as one, knowing each other’s next move.”
Although the Mustangs lose six seniors to graduation, the continued development of some of the young guns appears promising. Sophomores Jordan Godfrey, Meya Leal, Lia Marino and freshman Georgia Scott, have shown enough potential which should keep Medford in contention for years to come.
“I think the future is looking really great,” said Passacantilli. “I have a lot of returners that will be back. We’re still going to have to work on our defense. We’ll have to build that back again, but this team knows going forward that all the records any other team at Medford High has to break is based off what they did this season. All the juniors and sophomores are going to try to break their own records next year. That is cool.”
