Medford girls lacrosse team looks to defend GBL title

If their home opener over the weekend was any indication, the Medford High girls lacrosse team are in for another exciting season.

The defending Greater Boston League champs edged out Newton South in a dramatic 15-14 come-from-behind nailbiter.

Sophomore sharpshooter Erin Alves shined scoring eight goals to spark the comeback.

“We were trailing the whole game,” said Medford coach Bianca Passacantilli. “And were able to come out on top.”

It was business as usual for Passacantilli’s club, who ran the table a year ago going undefeated in the Greater Boston League, enroute to a sensational 18-2 regular season run. Medford advanced to the MIAA State Tournament, before bowing out in the opening round.

Although they lost a handful of players from that talented squad, including key defenders Ava Lavoie and Mykenna Galluzzo, as well as Salem State recruit Lily Morris, the Mustangs are primed and ready for all comers.

“We’re very positive and excited for the season,” said Passacantilli, entering her third season at the helm. “I think we’re all still riding the wave of last season and how much fun we all had.”

Medford showed up in strong numbers at tryouts, with 37 players looking to land a spot on the team.

“We’ve been pretty consistent (number-wise) with years past which is great to see,” said the coach.

Leading the charge for Medford this season are quad-captains Becky Casey, Ryleigh Allen, Kaitlyn Alves and Lia Marino.

A senior midfielder, Casey crashed the net scoring a team-high 92 goals last year, including the 200th of her scholastic career.

A senior, Kaitlyn Alves fuels the attack, while junior Marino anchors the defense, playing in front of senior goaltender Ryleigh Allen.

Each play a vital role in the team’s ultimate success.

“My captains bring a lot to the table,” said Passacantilli. “They’re dependable, hard-working, and truly want the best for the program. They’re here to help every single new player that walks onto the field.”

Erin Alves is also expected to continue to chip in offensively.

“Erin totally dominates the lacrosse field,” said Passacantilli, noting how she dismantled Malden’s defense last year scoring 10 goals off 10 shots in a memorable regular season encounter against their arch-rivals. “She was 100 percent accurate with her goals that game.”

The Mustangs have the kind of depth all coaches crave. Returning letterwinners Hazel Collins, Ali Defaria, Siena Fauci, Jordan Godfrey and Meya Leal, have shown plenty of hustle. Nora McCobb, Celia Meagher and Petra Schnider provide veteran savvy. Georgia Scott, Ruby Todtfield and Isla Welch also sport the right attitude.

The Mustangs will need all the support they can get as they prepare for their title defense in the always competitive Greater Boston League.

“I think (the GBL is) pretty consistent with years past,” said Passacantilli. “We’re hoping to come out as undefeated league champions again.”

The biggest challenge facing the Mustangs could be Stoneham. The Spartans split their regular season series last year, raising the stakes further this season.

“They were a huge competitor (the past) two years,” said Passacantilli. “We’re hoping for two wins against them this year.”

While matching last season’s success will be a challenge, the coach feels confident in her team’s ability to get the job done.

“Last season was such a whirlwind of excitement,” said Passacantilli, noting the media attention the team has earned with their record-breaking success.  “I am really looking forward to this upcoming season and the future for this program.”

Medford girls lacrosse schedule

Date     Opponent         Time

3/28     vs. Newton South        15-14 W

4/1        vs. Waltham                   17-7 L

4/3        vs. Peabody                     4:15 p.m.

4/7        @ Revere                           6:30 p.m.

4/9        vs Tewksbury                  4:30 p.m.

4/10     vs Framingham            4:30 p.m.

4/14     @ Malden                         4 p.m.

4/16     vs Everett                          4:30 p.m.

4/17     vs Stoneham                  4:30 p.m.

4/21     vs Somerville                  4:30 p.m.

4/23     vs Revere                           4:30 p.m.

4/27     vs Arlington Catholic 4 p.m.

4/30     vs. Malden                       4:30 p.m.

5/5        vs. Everett                        4 p.m.

5/7        vs. Somerville 4 p.m.

5/9        @ Stoneham                  10 a.m.

5/12     @ Revere                           4:15 p.m.

5/18      vs. Malden Catholic   5:30 p.m.

5/20     vs Tewksbury                  4:30 p.m.

All home games are played at Edgerly Field.