Split aims to ease growing pains

With the number of schools fielding girls lacrosse team swelling, it was only a matter of time before there was a split.

Now, with 18 team playing, there are two divisions — one for the more experienced squads and another for the relative newbies learning the sport. The split will allow for more competitive games at both levels and also foster further growth in the sport as the less-experienced teams are not blown away by the veterans.

"We are only a second-year team," said Alta coach Megan Gorringe. "My team is very talented but just lacks experience. We only expect things to go up from here, and I feel that Alta has the capability in the future of being one of the best teams in the state."

The Hawks are one of the more competitive teams in Division II. Park City, East and Juan Diego are also fielding good teams while a few other schools appear to be taking their lumps in the new sport.

"Last year was our first winning season, and I am hoping to continue our wins this year," said Park City coach Lori Hall. "My realistic hopes for the rest of the season are to finish 8-0 in our division and make it to playoffs. This would be our first year making it to playoffs. Last year we missed playoffs by a tiebreaker."

So far, the Miners are well on their way to reaching that goal. They are unbeaten in Division II play but have tough games to end the season before the playoffs begin next week.

East High has a pair of college-level players in twins Kelsy and Michele Milne. Coach Molly Jones said the sisters are leaning toward playing lacrosse at the University of Oregon when their high school playing days are over.

Farther south, Lehi is experiencing life as an expansion team in Utah lacrosse.

"We have a very young team," said coach Lindsay Hale. "We haven't won any games and hope to maybe win one game this year. Like I said it is a brand new team."

Alta: The Hawks have junior Brandi Cash as their keeper and let freshmen Haley Collett and Kristianna Wright patrol the attack wings. Senior Danielle Hillas is a dependable defender, and junior Julia Webber is adding valuable skills as Alta figures to be a tough team to beat in the playoffs for coach Megan Gorringe.

Bountiful: The Braves are coached by Jewelya Singer and are going through some growing pains as the program matures. Being a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs might be a year or two away.