The Highlanders played in a scrimmage against West Springfield on March 11, their last scrimmage before the start of the official lacrosse season. Coming back from a strong season last year, they hoped to see their hard work come to fruition once again, using the scrimmage to polish their skills.
“This season we have a couple of good freshmen who are really vital to our team,” sophomore midfielder Jordyn Nowinski said. “Last year we built so much, and our team has grown so much. I think that this year we could really take [our success] further.”
The game started off delayed due to a thunderstorm, but the team’s energy stood undiminished. The Highlanders had a thunderous offense that propelled them to take the lead.
“Collectively, our midfield transition was really what set us up for our goals,” Head Coach Michelle Maxwell-Gold said. “Also, we liked that a lot of our goals had assists and not necessarily one person driving to the goal.”
On the field, McLean controlled the ball and kept the pressure on West Springfield’s defense.
Despite the team still learning each other’s strengths, their pre-existing team chemistry allowed for excellent synergy in this final pre-season match.
“Our transition as a team definitely helped us,”Michelle Maxwell-Gold said. “We have different skill levels but we focus on what the team is doing together.”
During the scrimmage, the Highlanders fought for the ball, catching many interceptions. The physical demands of lacrosse started to show, but McLean pushed through by running plays alongside each other.
McLean’s defense was top-notch as well, with star players like senior goalie Brooke Buursink who saved numerous goals. This excellent defense and coordination between midfielders shut down the Spartans’ offense.
“We were very spread out along the field, so we were able to make those quick passes and get it to the other side,” Burrsink said. “I think in this game, we were able to focus on the ball and I was also a little more vocal, so we were able to work as a unit.”
The Highlanders swept the scrimmage in a 15-3 score, a powerful statement to begin the season. Still, they have areas to work on before their first season match against Oakton on March 17. They hope to show off new plays and continue their already-established momentum.
“We don’t always want [the team] to do the same thing—drive to the goal. We want to see some more team offense, so we’re working on that,” Maxwell-Gold said. “From last year, we’re passing faster, we’re completing catches and so it’s elevating our game.”
